12" Shakyamuni Buddha Gilded Copper Figurine | Statue from Nepal

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12" Shakyamuni Buddha Gilded Copper Figurine | Statue from Nepal

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$1003.50

$1338

25% off

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A splendid and elaborate lotus throne, symbolic of the origin of inner wisdom, becomes the seat of the Buddha in this stunning gilded copper statue from Nepal, as a perfect allusion to his supreme wisdom. A blooming lotus in Buddhism is synonymous with the blossoming of wisdom in the mind of the seeker. This beautiful symbolism is juxtaposed in the artwork with the moment of Buddha’s declaration of enlightenment, which is depicted with his “Bhumisparsha” or earth-touching gesture.

According to Buddhist legends, as an answer to the failed attempts of Mara, the demon of passions, to disrupt the meditations of the Buddha, He called upon the Earth goddess to bear witness to his enlightenment, and she appeared. The act of touching the earth is thus the symbol of self-belief and eternal tranquility that emerges only when true wisdom has “blossomed” in the heart.

The gilded copper statute perfectly captures the serenity of Bhumisparsha Buddha, depicting him with peaceful expressions and beautiful features. Wrapped in a golden garment and carrying the alms bowl in his hand in meditation, the Buddha represents the simplicity and unbounded glory of an Enlightened being.

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Specifications

	MIU207
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 12 inch
	Width: 10 inch
	Depth: 7 inch
	Weight 3.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 15 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Gilded Vision of Enlightenment

This exquisite figurine captures the serene presence of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, in a posture of deep meditation. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail and expertly gilded with pure gold, this statue emanates an aura of peace, wisdom, and profound tranquility. The rich, lustrous gold finish highlights the Buddha's tranquil countenance, his closed eyes conveying a sense of inner awareness and detachment from the worldly realm. His hands are cradled in his lap, forming the *dharmachakra mudra*, symbolizing the turning of the Wheel of Dharma and the setting in motion of the teachings that would lead to liberation.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition

Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and renowned for its masterful metalwork, this statue is a testament to centuries-old artistic traditions. The base upon which the Buddha sits is a double lotus throne, a common motif in Buddhist iconography, representing purity and the unfolding of spiritual awareness. Each petal is delicately sculpted, creating a sense of grace and abundance. The robes of the Buddha are rendered with fine incised patterns, adding a layer of texture and visual interest that speaks to the skill of the artisan. The characteristic urna on his forehead, a dot representing his spiritual insight, and the ushnisha atop his head, symbolizing his enlightenment, are all rendered with precision.

Symbolism and Sacred Resonance

Shakyamuni Buddha, born Siddhartha Gautama, renounced his princely life to seek an end to suffering. After years of asceticism and meditation, he attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. His teachings have guided millions towards inner peace and understanding. The gilded copper form of this statue is not merely decorative; it is imbued with spiritual significance. Gold, in many cultures, is associated with divinity, purity, and illumination, perfectly embodying the enlightened nature of the Buddha. The act of creating and venerating such an image is considered a meritorious practice, fostering devotion and mindfulness in the observer.

An Inspiring Centerpiece for Contemplation

This impressive 12-inch statue is more than just a decorative object; it is an invitation to cultivate inner stillness and to connect with the profound wisdom of the Buddha. Whether placed in a meditation room, a sacred altar, or a cherished living space, it serves as a powerful reminder of the path to enlightenment and the potential for peace within ourselves. Its commanding presence, combined with the sacred symbolism, makes it a truly inspiring centerpiece for any setting dedicated to reflection and spiritual growth. ––––––––––––––––––––

The Beauty of Nepalese Artistry

The artistry of Nepalese craftspeople is celebrated worldwide, and this Shakyamuni Buddha statue exemplifies their dedication to preserving ancient forms while infusing them with vibrant life. The use of copper as the base material, combined with the painstaking application of gold gilding, results in a sculpture that is both substantial and radiant. The intricate details, from the delicate curls of the Buddha's hair to the graceful folds of his monastic robes, showcase a level of craftsmanship passed down through generations, connecting the present with a rich artistic lineage.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.

At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.

The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.

The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.