14" Guru Rinpoche Copper Statue from Nepal | Authentic Nepalese Sculpture

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14" Guru Rinpoche Copper Statue from Nepal | Authentic Nepalese Sculpture

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Guru Rinpoche is not solely an enlightened Buddha; he also manifests as a preeminent sage in the realm of Vajrayana Buddhism. His extraordinary birth defied conventional human origins. The Guru Rinpoche Thangka is a masterpiece, characterized by intricate details and gold embellishments.

Padmasambhava is typically depicted at the thangka's center, seated with a crossed leg, holding a vajra in his right hand, and a skull cup filled with nectar in his left. This cup of longevity overflows with the elixir of deathless wisdom. The prominent eagle feather atop symbolizes his mastery of Dzogchen, the pinnacle of his Tantric teachings.

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Specifications

	CAA185
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 14 inch
	Width: 12 inch
	Depth: 10 inch
	Weight 6.70 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	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 Beacon of Enlightenment and Divine Union

This magnificent 14-inch statue, crafted from lustrous copper and adorned with gleaming gold, is an embodiment of profound spiritual significance, originating from the sacred land of Nepal. It depicts a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, Padmasambhava, more commonly known as Guru Rinpoche, in a dynamic union with his consort, symbolizing the integration of wisdom and skillful means, emptiness and form, and the ultimate realization of enlightened consciousness. Guru Rinpoche, often referred to as the "Precious Guru," is a central figure credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century. Legend tells of his miraculous birth from a lotus flower and his extraordinary powers that overcame obstacles and tamed demonic forces, paving the way for the Dharma to flourish. His presence in this sculpture signifies his benevolent and transformative energy, a protector and guide for all sentient beings.

The Yab-Yum Iconography: A Deeper Meaning

The posture of Guru Rinpoche embracing his consort, a representation known as yab-yum in Tibetan, is a powerful metaphor for the union of opposites. The male aspect (yab) represents compassion and skillful means, while the female aspect (yum) embodies wisdom and emptiness. Their embrace signifies the indivisible nature of these two fundamental truths, the realization that ultimate reality is neither subject nor object, neither form nor void, but an ineffable, unified state. This iconography is not carnal, but rather a profound representation of achieving the highest spiritual attainment through the integration of all aspects of existence. The tranquil yet powerful expression on Guru Rinpoche's face, coupled with the vibrant colors and intricate details of his attire and adornments, speak to his divine nature and mastery over the material and spiritual realms. The ornate lotus base from which they arise further symbolizes purity and spiritual blossoming, grounding the divine couple in a foundation of sacredness.

Artistry and Spirituality from the Himalayas

Every detail of this statue, from the delicate rendering of the facial features to the flowing drapery of the robes, showcases the exceptional craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans. The choice of copper as the base material, meticulously worked and then gilded with gold, adds a layer of preciousness and spiritual resonance. In Buddhist traditions, gold is often associated with enlightenment, purity, and immortality, amplifying the sacred aura of the deity. This sculpture is more than just an object of art; it is a sacred artifact, imbued with centuries of devotion and artistic tradition. It serves as a powerful reminder of the path to enlightenment, the importance of integrating wisdom and compassion, and the enduring legacy of Guru Rinpoche's teachings. Whether placed in a personal meditation space or a dedicated shrine, this statue is a profound source of inspiration and a gateway to contemplation of the deepest spiritual truths.

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.