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14" Buddhist Deity Manjushri Copper Statue from Nepal | Authentic Nepalese Sculpture

$1035.75
$1381
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Manjusri, a Mahayana Buddhist bodhisattva of wisdom, takes a prominent role in Mahayana art and literature. He embodies prajna wisdom that transcends conventional knowledge. Portrayed as a male figure, Manjusri wields a flaming sword in his right hand, symbolizing the enlightenment that dispels ignorance.

 

This emphasizes the transformative power of wisdom. Manjusri also holds a blooming Blue Lotus in his left hand. His form showcases the "Vajra Sword of Discriminating Light" and the mudra of supreme generosity with his right hand, while his left holds the stem of a lotus with a flaming sword. This representation invites contemplation on wisdom's illuminating potential.

Specifications
CAA197
Copper With Gold
Height: 14 inch
Width: 10 inch
Depth: 6.5 inch
Weight 3.80 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.

Embodying Wisdom and Enlightenment

This magnificent copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. With a regal bearing and an aura of profound intellect, Manjushri is a pivotal figure in Mahayana Buddhism, revered as the embodiment of transcendent knowledge and the dispeller of ignorance. His presence is said to inspire clarity of thought, sharpen understanding, and illuminate the path to enlightenment. This exquisite sculpture captures the divine essence of Manjushri, making it a powerful focal point for meditation, devotion, or as a cherished piece of art that resonates with spiritual depth.

The Herald of Insight

Manjushri is often depicted wielding a flaming sword, a potent symbol of his ability to cut through delusion and the veil of ignorance. This sword represents wisdom's sharp edge, capable of severing the roots of suffering and doubt. In his left hand, he often holds the stem of a lotus, upon which rests the Prajnaparamita Sutra, symbolizing the perfection of wisdom. This duality – the active cutting of ignorance and the serene holding of wisdom's text – encapsulates the dynamic nature of achieving enlightenment. This statue beautifully renders these iconic attributes, offering a tangible representation of these profound Buddhist concepts. The detailed rendering of the sword, poised to strike with decisive power, and the delicate lotus, a symbol of purity and spiritual blossoming, speak to the sculptor's mastery and deep understanding of Buddhist iconography.

Nepalese Artistry at its Zenith

Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in rich spiritual traditions and renowned for its exceptional metalwork, this statue is a testament to centuries of artistic heritage. Nepalese artisans have long been revered for their ability to imbue their creations with life and spiritual resonance. The use of copper, enhanced with gold detailing, lends a luminous quality to the sculpture, reflecting the divine radiance of Manjushri. The intricate details on the deity's robes, the ornate crown adorned with precious stones, and the serene yet powerful expression on his face are all hallmarks of master craftsmanship. The lotus base, a classic motif in Buddhist art, is rendered with exceptional detail, providing a stable and aesthetically pleasing foundation for the divine figure. This statue is not merely an object; it is a sacred artifact, born from a lineage of devotion and artistic excellence.

A Beacon of Spiritual Practice

The presence of Manjushri is believed to foster intellectual curiosity, enhance memory, and promote the development of discerning wisdom. Invoking his blessings is a practice undertaken by students, scholars, and anyone seeking to overcome mental obstacles and gain deeper insights into the nature of reality. This statue serves as a constant reminder of the importance of cultivating wisdom in one's spiritual journey. Placing it in a sacred space, such as a meditation room or altar, can create an atmosphere conducive to introspection and learning. Its commanding presence and the profound symbolism it carries make it an ideal companion for those dedicated to the pursuit of truth and enlightenment.

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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