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14" Copper Dharmaraja From Nepal

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$1448.25

$1931

25% off

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Specifications

	NLH023
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 14 inch
	Width: 10 inch
	Depth: 6 inch
	Weight 6.30 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 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.

The Majestic Dharmaraja: A Symbol of Power and Protection

This exquisite sculpture, crafted in the heart of Nepal from rich copper and adorned with lustrous gold, embodies the fierce and protective energy of Dharmaraja. Standing at fourteen inches tall, it captures the dynamic and awe-inspiring presence of this powerful deity, ready to vanquish obstacles and safeguard devotees. The intricate detailing and masterful artistry speak to the deep spiritual traditions and skilled craftsmanship inherent in Nepalese iconography. The Dharmaraja, also known as Yamantaka in Tibetan Buddhism, is a wrathful manifestation of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom. His fearsome aspect is not one of malice, but of unwavering resolve to confront and overcome negativity, ignorance, and suffering. Legend tells of Manjushri taking on this terrifying form to subdue the King of Death, Yama, thus liberating beings from the cycle of rebirth and fear. His wrathful expression, with bared teeth and bulging eyes, signifies his ability to see through illusion and cut through attachment, thereby clearing the path to enlightenment. ––––––––––

Symbolism and Sacred Representation

The iconography of this statue is rich with symbolic meaning. The Dharmaraja is depicted atop his steed, a powerful buffalo, representing his mastery over the forces of death and fear. The swirling flames that emanate from him symbolize his purifying energy, capable of burning away impurities, negative karma, and spiritual obscurations. His multi-faceted posture and his weapon, often a vajra or a symbolic implement of destruction, highlight his supreme power to dismantle obstacles on the spiritual path. The serene yet formidable expression is a testament to the idea that true wisdom often comes with a fierce, protective embrace, safeguarding the path towards liberation. The meticulous application of gold over the copper not only enhances the visual splendor but also imbues the sculpture with a sense of sacredness and divine radiance, reflecting the celestial nature of the deity. ––––––––––

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Art

This piece is a profound example of Nepalese metal artistry, a tradition that has flourished for centuries. The artisans of Nepal are renowned for their ability to imbue their creations with both aesthetic beauty and deep spiritual resonance. The detailed ornamentation on the Dharmaraja's garments, the musculature of the horse, and the dynamic rendering of the fiery halo are all hallmarks of exceptional craftsmanship. Each element, from the sharp angles of the flames to the delicate features of the deity's face, has been carefully considered and executed to convey the powerful presence and protective aura of Dharmaraja. This statue serves not only as a devotional object but also as a testament to the enduring artistic heritage of Nepal, a vibrant culture deeply rooted in spiritual practice and artistic expression. Owning this Dharmaraja is to invite a potent symbol of protection, wisdom, and the ultimate triumph over adversity into your space.

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.