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12" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Vajrapani Copper Statue from Nepal

$1176.75
$1569
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This copper Nepalese statue embodies Vajrapani, the Buddhist equivalent of Indra, in a dynamic and powerful stance. Standing tall, Vajrapani exudes a fiery expression and a fierce countenance, characteristic of his wrathful nature. The intricately crafted ornaments adorning his flawless form add to the overall splendor of the sculpture.

 

A radiant aureole surrounds Vajrapani, skillfully representing the light of wisdom that he embodies. The details of his features, including his piercing eyes, gaping mouth, and sharp nails, are meticulously carved, capturing the ferocity and intensity of this deity. The majestic scarf flowing around him further accentuates his fiery demeanor.

 

Despite his formidable appearance, Vajrapani's plump body serves as a reminder of courage and compassion, inspiring individuals on their spiritual journey. This sculpture encapsulates the essence of Vajrapani, symbolizing strength, wisdom, and the unwavering determination needed to traverse the spiritual path.

Specifications
MIS553
Copper
Height: 12 inch
Width: 8 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 3.70 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Embodiment of Untamed Power and Protection

This striking copper statue captures the formidable presence of Vajrapani, one of the most powerful Bodhisattvas in Tibetan Buddhism. Revered as the "Vajra Holder," he is the embodiment of the Buddha's power and the force that dispels delusion and negativity. His fierce aspect, depicted here with a scowling visage, bared fangs, and furrowed brow, is not one of malice but of an unyielding protector, a bulwark against the forces that hinder spiritual progress. The swirling, dynamic flames that emanate from his back symbolize his boundless energy and the transformative fire that purifies the mind and spirit.

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship

Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in rich spiritual traditions, this statue is a testament to the exquisite artistry and profound devotion embedded in Himalayan Buddhist art. The copper medium, meticulously worked, lends a timeless and tangible quality to the divine form. Every detail, from the intricate ornamentation adorning his body to the powerful musculature conveyed through his posture, speaks to the skill of the artisans. The dynamic pose, with one leg bent and the other extended, suggests immense dynamism and readiness, as if poised to strike down any obstacles in its path. His raised right hand, often shown holding a vajra (thunderbolt scepter, not visible in this particular depiction), signifies his ability to shatter ignorance and illusion.

Symbolism and Significance of Vajrapani

In Buddhist cosmology, Vajrapani is a significant figure, often depicted alongside other great Bodhisattvas like Avalokiteshvara (compassion) and Manjushri (wisdom). He represents the power that underlies all enlightened beings. Tales abound of Vajrapani's intervention in the lives of devotees, offering protection from harm, dispelling fear, and empowering them to overcome inner demons. He is believed to be the successor to the Sakyamuni Buddha in prophecy and holds a pivotal role in guarding the Dharma. The iconography of Vajrapani is rich with symbolism. His wrathful demeanor is meant to evoke awe and inspire those who are spiritually complacent, while also striking terror into the hearts of malevolent forces. The clouds and waves that often accompany him in his imagery represent the vastness of his influence and the constant movement of spiritual energy. This statue, with its powerful and energetic rendition, is a potent visual reminder of the immense protective and transformative power available to those who seek the path of enlightenment. It serves not just as an object of veneration but as a source of inspiration and a beacon of spiritual strength.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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