Introducing the Green Tara: A Symbol of Compassion and Enlightenment
This exquisite 15-inch statue of Green Tara, meticulously crafted in Nepal, is more than just a decorative piece; it's a powerful representation of Buddhist spirituality and a testament to the artistry of Nepalese craftsmanship. Green Tara, one of the most important female bodhisattvas in Tibetan Buddhism, is revered as a savior figure, a fierce protector, and a source of limitless compassion. Her name, Tara, translates to "liberator," reflecting her ability to guide devotees towards enlightenment and rescue them from suffering. Legends abound about her miraculous interventions, offering hope and solace to those in need. She is often depicted with a serene yet powerful expression, embodying wisdom and strength. This statue captures that essence perfectly, showcasing the intricate details of her serene countenance and flowing garments. The vibrant turquoise and coral accents further enhance her divine aura.
A Masterpiece of Nepalese Art
The statue is crafted from high-quality copper and adorned with exquisite stone inlay work. The artisanship is evident in every detail, from the delicate features of Green Tara's face to the graceful drape of her clothing. The vibrant turquoise, a color often associated with healing and serenity, symbolizes Tara's compassionate nature and ability to soothe anxieties. The coral accents add a touch of warmth and vitality, mirroring her dynamic role as a protector. The base itself is a work of art, complementing the statue with its intricate designs and color palette. Its elegant form enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the piece. This statue stands as a fine example of the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, where generations of artisans have perfected techniques of metalwork and stone inlay, creating breathtaking pieces that resonate with both aesthetic and spiritual value. The meticulous detailing and vibrant colors make this a truly captivating work of art.
Beyond Decoration: A Spiritual Focus
More than a decorative object, this Green Tara statue serves as a powerful spiritual focal point. Her presence can bring a sense of peace, tranquility, and inspiration to any space. In many Buddhist traditions, statues are not merely representations but also vessels that can channel the energy and blessings of the deity they depict. Regular contemplation of the statue can deepen your connection to Green Tara's qualities of compassion, wisdom, and strength, nurturing inner peace and fostering a positive spiritual environment. Many use statues like this for meditation practices, allowing the image to serve as a focus for mindfulness and concentration. This Green Tara embodies the protective and nurturing essence of the goddess, making it a unique and valuable addition to any home or sacred space.
The Significance of Green Tara
In numerous Buddhist tales, Green Tara emerges as a beacon of hope and deliverance in times of crisis. Stories depict her intervening on behalf of those suffering from disease, poverty, or natural disasters. Her compassion is boundless; her power, immense. She is a source of solace and support, a guiding light on the path to enlightenment. Different traditions associate Green Tara with different aspects of her power, but the common thread is always compassion and the liberation from suffering. This statue allows you to bring this power and essence into your own home. The vibrant colors and intricate details serve as a constant reminder of Tara’s presence and protective energies.
A Timeless Treasure: Crafted for Generations
This Green Tara statue is not merely an ornament; it’s an heirloom, a piece of art destined to be cherished for generations. Its enduring beauty and spiritual significance will only deepen with time, becoming a treasured possession that connects you to a rich cultural heritage and a powerful spiritual tradition. The quality craftsmanship ensures that this statue will remain a source of beauty and inspiration for years to come. Its vibrant colors, detailed artistry, and spiritual symbolism will make it a centerpiece of your home or collection. Its size makes it a statement piece without being overwhelming, perfect for a display shelf, altar, or meditation space.
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.
