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12" Tsongkhapa (Set of 3) from Nepal

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$2868.75

$3825

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Tsongkhapa in Buddhist culture is the establisher of the Gelugpa sect, a prominent Vajrayana order to which belong the Dalai Lamas. The heavenly aura of Tsongkhapa in these Nepalese gilded copper statues symbolizes his pristine wisdom as the establisher of the Yellow Hats and a great Buddhist master. The three statues from Nepal present the teacher in varied states of enlightened existence. One depicts him with the gesture of turning the wheel of Dhamma, while the other two belonging to his mature age, show him teaching the Dhamma, with the Vitarka Mudra and a book.

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Specifications

	MIS515
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 12 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 9 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Ships in 1-3 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 Reverent Tribute to a Luminary

These exquisite statues, crafted from copper with a rich gold plating, present a captivating ensemble of three figures. Each statue depicts a serene individual seated in a meditative posture upon an intricately designed lotus base. The deep, rich hue of their robes contrasts beautifully with the shimmering gold of their adornments and exposed skin, exuding an aura of profound spirituality and artistic mastery. The craftsmanship is evident in the delicate detailing of the drapery, the subtle expressions of the faces, and the ornate embellishments that adorn the figures and their pedestals. The central figure is distinguished by a magnificent golden flourish rising behind it, a symbolic representation of enlightenment or spiritual growth, while the flanking figures are captured in gestures of blessing or teaching.

The Legacy of Tsongkhapa

These statues are believed to represent Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, a pivotal figure in the history of Mahayana Buddhism. Born in the 14th century in Tsongkha, Amdo, his teachings emphasized monastic discipline, philosophical inquiry, and the integration of sutra and tantra. Tsongkhapa's influence was so profound that he is often referred to as the "Second Buddha." Legends abound regarding his extraordinary life, including accounts of his early prodigious intellect and his profound spiritual realizations. It is said that upon his birth, the hair that was cut from him grew into a white, miraculously healing bush, a testament to his purity and spiritual significance. His legacy is preserved through the continuous lineage of the Dalai Lamas, who are considered his spiritual successors.

Artistic Significance and Spiritual Resonance

The creation of such detailed and opulent statues was, and remains, a significant act of devotion and artistry. The use of copper as a base material provides a durable and receptive canvas for the subsequent gold plating, a technique that imbues the figures with a divine luminescence. In Tibetan Buddhist tradition, gold is not merely a precious metal but a symbol of purity, perfection, and the radiant nature of the awakened mind. The lotus flower, upon which the figures are seated, is a potent symbol in Buddhism, representing purity, spiritual awakening, and the ability to rise above worldly attachments, much like the lotus blooms untainted from muddy waters. These statues, therefore, are not just objects of aesthetic appreciation; they are powerful visual aids for contemplation, meditation, and the cultivation of virtuous qualities, echoing the profound teachings and enduring spiritual presence of Tsongkhapa himself. Their origin in Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist heritage, further enhances their authenticity and sacred aura, connecting them to a rich tradition of devotional art.

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.