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14" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Vajrasattva Idol | Copper Statue from Nepal

$1035.75
$1381
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This Nepalese statue, cast in copper and adorned with the shimmer of gold, presents Vajrasattva in his divine form. Vajrasattva wears pristinely patterned attire, all kinds of ornaments studded with turquoise and red jewels and an elaborate hairdo. Seated on a lotus throne, he is depicted holding a bell cradled in his left hand and a vajra in his right hand. His half-closed eyes figure with crossed legs, and his presence exudes an air of stillness that harmonizes beautifully with his blissful facial expressions. Vajrasattva in this Nepalese statue is a source of soothing serenity for the devotee.

Specifications
CAA034
Copper With Gold
Height: 14 inch
Width: 10 inch
Depth: 5 inch
Weight 4 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.

The Unwavering Purity of Vajrasattva

This magnificent 14-inch statue embodies Vajrasattva, the embodiment of the entire Vajrayana pantheon and the primordial Buddha of purification. Crafted with meticulous artistry from copper and finished with lustrous gold, this piece hails from Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and renowned for its master artisans. Vajrasattva is depicted in his serene and radiant form, seated in the lotus posture, signifying spiritual perfection and tranquility. His golden visage radiates a profound sense of peace, wisdom, and unwavering resolve. ––––––––––

Symbolism and Iconography

Vajrasattva holds a vajra in his right hand, symbolizing the indestructible nature of enlightenment, the diamond-like clarity of awakened mind that can cut through all illusions. In his left hand, resting on his lap, he cradles a bell (ghanta), representing wisdom and the emptiness of all phenomena. The union of the vajra and bell signifies the inseparable nature of wisdom and compassion, the ultimate union that leads to Buddhahood. Adorned with a jeweled crown and ornate necklaces, Vajrasattva's regal appearance signifies his supreme status as the essence of all Buddhas. The intricate detailing of his robes and the lotus base upon which he rests further enhance the statue's spiritual and aesthetic appeal. The lotus itself is a powerful Buddhist symbol, emerging unstained from the muddy waters to blossom in purity, mirroring Vajrasattva's ability to purify all negative karma. ––––––––––

Vajrasattva in Buddhist Practice

In Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrasattva is a central figure in tantric practice, particularly known for his powerful mantra, "Om Vajrasattva Hum," which is believed to have the capacity to purify all negative karma, obscurations, and broken vows. Meditating on Vajrasattva is a fundamental practice for practitioners seeking to cleanse their minds and progress on the path to enlightenment. Legends speak of Vajrasattva’s immense compassion, dedicated to aiding all sentient beings in their journey toward liberation from suffering. This statue serves as a potent reminder of this profound commitment and the potential for spiritual transformation that lies within each individual. Its presence can inspire devotees to engage in purification practices and to cultivate the virtuous qualities embodied by this revered deity. ––––––––––

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship

This exquisite statue is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal. The skilled artisans have poured their devotion and expertise into every detail, from the serene expression on Vajrasattva's face to the delicate ornamentation of his attire. The use of copper as the base material provides a substantial feel and durability, while the gold finish imbues the idol with a divine radiance. The scale of the statue makes it a commanding yet graceful presence, suitable for altars, meditation spaces, or as a distinguished piece of spiritual art in any home or sanctuary. It is more than just an object; it is a conduit for devotion, a symbol of ultimate purity, and a connection to the timeless wisdom of the Buddha.

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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