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13" Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva Statue From Nepal

$1729.50
$2306
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

Kshitigarbha- the womb of the earth- epitomizes a unique Bodhisattva in Vajrayana Buddhism who is revered as a compassionate guardian of the netherworld, where he remains eternally to impart to the beings the wisdom about Buddha and Dhamma. In this magnificent copper-with-gold statue from Nepal, the benevolent aura of Kshitigarbha has been captured exquisitely. Adorned in a kingly manner, the Bodhisattva is wrapped in a delicate dhoti which is marvelously delineated, along with the gem-studded five-pronged crown. Perfection of artistic representation can be seen on his animated countenance, which is beautified by the layer of pure gold, which outlines the deific expressions of the Bodhisattva.

Specifications
MIU284
COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
Height: 13 inch
Width: 9 inch
Depth: 5 inch
Weight 2.70 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 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.

Embodiment of Compassion and Hope

This magnificent statue depicts Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva, a revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism known for his boundless compassion and his vow to liberate all beings from suffering, especially those in the hell realms. Crafted with exquisite detail, this representation is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage. The statue is meticulously fashioned from copper and then gilded with pure gold, reflecting the radiant enlightenment that Kshitigarbha embodies.

A Guardian of the Underworld

Kshitigarbha, whose name translates to "Earth Womb" or "Earth Treasury," is often depicted holding a wish-fulfilling jewel and a staff. The jewel illuminates the darkness of the lower realms, while the staff breaks open the gates of hell. In legends, he made a solemn vow to forgo his own enlightenment until all beings, even those in the deepest suffering, were liberated. This powerful commitment makes him a profound symbol of hope and a protector for those in distress. Many Buddhist traditions believe that Kshitigarbha guides souls through the cycle of rebirth and offers solace to the departed. His presence is particularly invoked in times of loss or when seeking assistance for those who have passed on.

Artistry and Devotion

The artistry displayed in this statue is truly remarkable. The serene expression on Kshitigarbha's face, with eyes cast downwards in contemplation and compassion, invites a sense of peace. Intricate adornments, including a richly ornamented crown, necklaces, and bracelets, are all rendered with a level of detail that speaks to the devotion of the artisans. The subtle use of turquoise and coral accents adds a vibrant touch, further enhancing the statue's regal and spiritual aura. The flowing robes and the intricate detailing on the lotus throne contribute to the overall sense of majesty and divine presence.

A Sacred Presence for Your Sanctuary

Whether you are a devoted practitioner of Buddhism, an admirer of sacred art, or simply seeking to bring an essence of peace and compassion into your life, this Kshitigarbha Bodhisattva statue is a profound addition. Its golden sheen and meticulous craftsmanship make it a captivating centerpiece for any altar, meditation space, or home. Displaying this statue serves as a constant reminder of the power of empathy, the promise of salvation, and the unwavering dedication to alleviating suffering that Kshitigarbha represents. It is a piece that transcends mere decoration, offering spiritual inspiration and a connection to ancient wisdom.

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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