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13" Manjushri Copper Figurine from Nepal

$1139.25
$1519
25% off
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Only 1 available

Enter the realm of Manjushri, who is regarded as the pinnacle of profound insight and understanding in the vast Buddhist pantheon. Manjushri lay in a calm slumber, his face radiating the serenity of deep insight. Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, calls seekers to overcome ignorance and find their way to enlightenment with teachings that resound like a celestial symphony.


Practitioners seek instruction from Manjushri in the cosmic choreography of wisdom, reciting his mantra "Om Ah Ra Pa Ca Na Dhih" to invoke the transformational force of enlightened discernment. Manjushri's light serves as a brilliant lighthouse, guiding people on their spiritual path to solve life's riddles and cultivate their inner wisdom light.

Specifications
NLH074
Copper
Height: 13 inch
Width: 8.5 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 4.80 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 Wisdom and Enlightenment

This exquisite copper figurine captures the essence of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Revered in Mahayana Buddhism, Manjushri is a central figure, symbolizing the transcendent wisdom that cuts through ignorance and illusion. His name, derived from Sanskrit, translates to "Gentle Glory," reflecting his serene yet powerful presence. Tales abound of Manjushri's role in illuminating the minds of disciples, guiding them towards spiritual awakening. He is often depicted as a young prince, embodying the fresh and unclouded nature of pure wisdom. In many Buddhist traditions, Manjushri is invoked for clarity of thought, intellectual prowess, and the eradication of doubt, making him a patron of scholars, artists, and anyone seeking deeper understanding.

Iconography and Symbolism

This meticulously crafted statue portrays Manjushri in a classic iconography that speaks volumes about his attributes. The radiant sword held aloft in his right hand is a powerful symbol of the wisdom that severs the roots of ignorance, delusion, and suffering. It represents the sharp intellect that can dissect complex problems and reveal the truth. In his left hand, he holds a lotus flower, which signifies purity and enlightenment, suggesting that wisdom blossoms forth from a pure and untainted mind. The blue and red gemstone inlays, often lapis lazuli and coral, further enhance the visual richness and symbolic depth of the piece, representing the vastness of the cosmos and the vibrant energy of enlightenment. The serene expression on his face conveys a profound sense of peace and compassion, indicating that wisdom is not merely intellectual but also deeply compassionate.

Artistry and Craftsmanship from Nepal

Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in rich Buddhist heritage and renowned for its exceptional artistry, this copper figurine is a testament to centuries of skilled craftsmanship. The artisans have skillfully rendered every detail, from the intricate ornamentation of the crown and jewelry to the delicate folds of the robes and the majestic lotus base. The use of copper, a material with spiritual significance in many Asian cultures, imbues the statue with a timeless quality and a warm, inviting patina. The seated posture, often on a lotus throne, signifies stability and the attainment of spiritual perfection. This piece is not merely a decorative object; it is a sacred artifact, intended to inspire contemplation, devotion, and the cultivation of wisdom within the viewer's own mind. Its substantial size and weight speak to the quality of the materials and the dedication of the artisans who brought this divine form to life.

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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