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15" Copper Thang Tong Gyalpo from Nepal

$1485.75
$1981
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

Thang Tong Gyalpo, also known as Drubthob Chakzampa, was a Tibetan yogi, spiritual master, and engineer who lived in the 14th and 15th centuries. Renowned for his profound spiritual accomplishments and innovative engineering projects, Thang Tong Gyalpo holds a unique place in Tibetan history.

 

Thang Tong Gyalpo was a visionary figure, he engaged in deep spiritual practices but also contributed to society through his engineering feats. He is particularly known for constructing iron chain suspension bridges, often in challenging terrains, to facilitate travel and pilgrimage routes. He was a multifaceted individual, embodying both spiritual wisdom and practical skills. His legacy endures not only in the annals of Tibetan Buddhism but also in the tangible structures that continue to stand as a testament to his ingenuity and compassion for the well-being of others.

Specifications
MIW037
Copper Gilded with Gold
Height: 15 inch
Width: 11.5 inch
Depth: 7.5 inch
Weight 8.50 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.

A Vision of Celestial Power and Protection

This magnificent statue captures the powerful presence of Thang Tong Gyalpo, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism and a renowned bridge builder, magician, and yogi. Crafted from copper and meticulously gilded with gold, this piece radiates an aura of divine authority and spiritual significance. The golden sheen reflects the luminous nature often attributed to enlightened beings, inviting contemplation and reverence. Thang Tong Gyalpo is often depicted in various forms, each embodying different aspects of his teachings and miraculous feats. This particular representation showcases him seated in a posture of calm strength, his features rendered with exquisite detail. His dark, flowing hair is gathered upwards, framing a face that conveys wisdom, compassion, and an unwavering resolve. The intricate gold gilding on his face and body highlights his divine essence, while the rich, earthy tones of his robes ground him in the earthly realm. The detailed ornamentation, from the ornate collar to the bracelets on his wrists, speaks to the opulence and grandeur often associated with celestial beings and revered masters. The symbolism embedded within this statue is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Thang Tong Gyalpo is credited with building numerous iron suspension bridges across the Himalayas, facilitating pilgrimage and trade, and connecting communities. This act of creation and connection is often seen as a metaphor for his spiritual work, bridging the gap between the mundane and the enlightened, and guiding devotees across the river of suffering. He is also celebrated for his mastery of tantric practices and his ability to manifest siddhis, or extraordinary powers. His lineage is often traced back to the Mahasiddhas, individuals who achieved profound spiritual realization and demonstrated remarkable abilities. The presence of a Dharma wheel symbol subtly incorporated into the design, though not explicitly stated as part of this particular piece's iconography, is a common motif in Tibetan art, representing the Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment. The base upon which he sits is equally ornate, reflecting the craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of Nepalese artisans. The deep, rich colors and the intricate patterns carved into the base suggest stability and enduring spiritual foundations. This Thang Tong Gyalpo statue is more than just an object of beauty; it is a conduit to spiritual inspiration. It serves as a tangible reminder of the power of faith, perseverance, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Whether displayed in a meditation space, a study, or a living area, it imbues the environment with a sense of sacredness and invites a connection to ancient wisdom and spiritual strength. Its substantial size and commanding presence make it a focal point, drawing the eye and inspiring deep contemplation of the teachings and legacy of this extraordinary figure.

Artistry and Heritage from Nepal

Handcrafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and renowned for its master artisans, this statue is a testament to centuries-old traditions of religious art. The meticulous attention to detail, from the gentle expression on the deity's face to the flowing lines of his robes and the textured base, reflects a deep understanding of iconography and artistic technique. The use of copper as the base material provides durability and a rich patina, while the gold gilding adds an unparalleled level of luminosity and spiritual resonance. Each element of this sculpture is carefully considered, from the sculpting of the form to the application of paints and metals, resulting in a work of art that is both spiritually profound and aesthetically captivating. This piece is not merely an adornment but a sacred artifact, carrying the weight of tradition and the blessings of the lineage it represents.

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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