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15" Amitabha Buddha Idol from Nepal | Copper Gilded with Gold

$928.50
$1238
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

Amitabha Buddha, also known as Amitayus, emerges as a radiant figure in Mahayana Buddhism, embodying boundless compassion and the aspiration for enlightenment. Cloaked in the luminosity of infinite light, Amitabha resides in the Western Pure Land, a realm of bliss and liberation.


Amitabha seated in tranquil meditation, hands forming the mudra of meditative equipoise, symbolizing unwavering concentration on the path to enlightenment. Devotees turn to Amitabha, reciting the mantra "Om Ami Dewa Hrih," with the aspiration to be reborn in his Pure Land and attain enlightenment.


In the vast expanse of Mahayana teachings, Amitabha's presence becomes a beacon of compassion, offering solace and inspiration to those on the spiritual journey. The figure of Amitabha, with his compassionate gaze and resolute commitment to enlightenment, invites seekers to navigate the path toward ultimate liberation and awakening.


Specifications
MIW018
Copper Gilded with Gold
Height: 15 inch
Width: 10 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 4.60 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 the Pure Land

This exquisite statue depicts Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Life, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly prominent in Pure Land Buddhism. Revered as the lord of the Western Paradise, Sukhavati, Amitabha presides over a realm of unparalleled bliss, where all beings can achieve enlightenment without suffering. This statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition, serves as a tangible connection to this sacred aspiration. The artistry of Nepalese artisans is evident in every detail of this piece. Formed from copper and intricately gilded with gold, the statue radiates a divine aura. The golden hue symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and the radiant wisdom of Amitabha. The delicate features of the Buddha's face, characterized by serene eyes, a gentle smile, and a graceful demeanor, are brought to life through the artist's masterful touch. The ornate crown, adorned with precious stones in vibrant hues of turquoise and coral, signifies Amitabha's royal lineage and his dominion over the celestial realms.

Symbolism and Meditation

Amitabha is often depicted in the meditation posture, with his hands resting in his lap, forming the *mudra* of meditation or the "gesture of boundless giving." In this pose, his thumbs touch, symbolizing the union of wisdom and compassion. His closed eyes suggest an inward gaze, a profound contemplation that emanates peace and tranquility. This posture invites the practitioner to enter a state of mindfulness and to cultivate their own inner peace. The Western Paradise, Sukhavati, is a place of perfect happiness, free from the cycle of rebirth and suffering. It is believed that those who sincerely chant Amitabha's name with unwavering devotion and aspire to be reborn in Sukhavati will achieve this blissful state. This statue, therefore, serves as a focal point for such devotion, a reminder of the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice and the compassionate embrace of Amitabha. Its presence can inspire contemplation, encourage the recitation of mantras, and foster a deeper connection to the teachings of the Pure Land.

A Touch of the Himalayas

Crafted in Nepal, this statue is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the Himalayan region, a cradle of Tibetan Buddhism. The traditional techniques employed by Nepalese artisans, passed down through generations, ensure a level of authenticity and spiritual resonance. The rich patina and the intricate ornamentation reflect the profound respect and devotion poured into its creation. Owning this statue is not just acquiring a beautiful object, but also bringing a piece of this sacred artistic tradition into your home, a tangible link to the enduring spiritual landscape of Nepal.

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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