14" Seated Manjushri Copper Statue with Sword from Nepal

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14" Seated Manjushri Copper Statue with Sword from Nepal

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$1242

$1656

25% off

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This Nepalese statue of the Bodhisattva Manjushri creates a lyrical balance between his goodness and his power, with a celestial grin on his face and a fiery sword ready to slay evil and darkness. Manjushri has a plump face, incredibly long eyes, and a rivetting smile on her mouth. His magnificent jewellery draws attention to the youthful form's flexibility, which is enhanced by the silken scarf's captivating waves. The statue's divine finish is achieved by the Nepalese master sculptors using priceless turquoise, lapis lazuli, and coral.

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Specifications

	MIU239
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 14 inch
	Width: 11 inch
	Depth: 4.5 inch
	Weight 3.10 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 25 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.

Embodying Wisdom and Illumination

This exquisite statue depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, radiating an aura of profound insight and spiritual power. Seated in a posture of serene contemplation, this captivating representation is meticulously crafted from copper and generously gilded with gold, reflecting the brilliance of enlightened understanding. The divine radiance of the gold highlights every intricate detail, from the serene expression on Manjushri's face to the flowing robes and ornate crown adorning his head.

The Sword of Discernment

Manjushri is famously depicted holding a flaming sword, symbolizing the piercing of ignorance and the cutting away of delusion. This sacred implement, rendered with sharp precision in this statue, represents the power of wisdom to dispel darkness and reveal the true nature of reality. In Buddhist lore, Manjushri's sword is not a weapon of destruction, but a tool of liberation, capable of severing the roots of suffering and guiding sentient beings towards enlightenment. His raised right hand, poised to wield this potent symbol, signifies the active and unwavering pursuit of knowledge.

Lotus and the Path to Purity

In his left hand, Manjushri cradles a lotus, a universally recognized symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and the unfolding of wisdom. The lotus grows from muddy waters, yet its petals remain pristine and untouched, mirroring the Bodhisattva's ability to navigate the complexities of the world while remaining free from its defilements. The delicate bloom signifies the inherent Buddha-nature within all beings, waiting to blossom forth through the cultivation of wisdom. The serene posture and the symbolic elements together create a powerful visual narrative of spiritual growth and liberation.

A Timeless Treasure from Nepal

Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in rich spiritual heritage and renowned for its masterful artistry in bronze and copper casting, this statue embodies centuries of tradition. Each curve, each embellishment, speaks of the devotion and skill of the artisans who brought this divine form to life. The meticulous gilding further enhances its sacred quality, making it a truly magnificent piece for any altar, meditation space, or sacred collection. This Manjushri statue serves not only as an object of devotion but also as a constant reminder of the transformative power of wisdom, compassion, and the pursuit of inner truth. It is a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhist art and its profound spiritual message. –––––––––––––––––––

The Art of Sacred Adornment

The entire piece is a testament to the devotional practices embedded in Buddhist art. The elaborate headdress and intricate jewelry worn by Manjushri are not mere decorations, but symbolic representations of his enlightened qualities and the celestial realm he embodies. The base, adorned with stylized lotus petals and auspicious motifs, provides a stable foundation that elevates the divine figure, drawing the eye upwards towards his radiant presence. This statue is more than an object; it is a conduit for spiritual aspiration, inviting contemplation and fostering a deeper connection to the teachings of wisdom and compassion.

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.