Manjushri, the
Bodhisattva of wisdom and profound insight possesses the ability to delve into
the intrinsic emptiness, universal unity, and the authentic essence of all
existence. Manjushri is a male Bodhisattva, who is
holding a flaming sword known as the "Vajra Sword of Discriminating
Light" in the right hand, symbolizing the razor-sharp nature of Prajna
wisdom. In the left hand, Manjushri gracefully
wields a fully bloomed lotus flower.
The Vajra Sword of
Discriminating Light, or Wisdom, is known for its capacity to sever the bonds
of ignorance and the entanglements arising from conceptual perspectives. It
also signifies the transformative power, akin to a radiant blaze, that this
sword embodies. The splendid lotus flower is believed to cradle the
Prajnaparamita Sutra, often referred to as the Great Wisdom Sutra, containing
the essence of the profound wisdom imparted by Lord Buddha.
Embodiment of Wisdom and Enlightenment
This magnificent copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal and adorned with a resplendent gold plating, captures the divine essence of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Seated serenely on a lotus throne, Manjushri embodies the ultimate understanding and the illumination that dispels ignorance. His posture signifies a state of profound meditation and unwavering focus, inviting viewers into a realm of spiritual contemplation. The intricate details, from the delicate crown adorning his head to the flowing robes, speak of the artistry and devotion poured into its creation.The Sword of Discernment and the Lotus of Purity
Manjushri is traditionally depicted wielding a flaming sword, a potent symbol of his ability to sever ignorance and delusion. In this striking representation, the sword is held aloft, ready to strike down the shadows of misunderstanding and reveal the clear light of truth. Complementing this formidable attribute, in his left hand, he cradles a blooming lotus flower. This celestial blossom represents the purity of the awakened mind, untainted by worldly desires and imperfections. Together, the sword and the lotus symbolize the dual nature of wisdom: the active cutting away of what is false, and the serene unfolding of what is true and pure.Cultural Significance and Reverence
Manjushri holds a central place in Mahayana Buddhism, revered as the personification of all knowledge and enlightenment. Legends abound of his boundless compassion and his tireless efforts to guide sentient beings towards liberation. He is often invoked by scholars, artists, and seekers of truth for clarity of thought, eloquence, and the realization of ultimate wisdom. The craftsmanship of this statue, originating from the skilled artisans of Nepal, draws upon centuries of tradition in creating sacred art that resonates with deep spiritual power. The warm glow of the gold plating enhances the divine aura of the Bodhisattva, making it a truly awe-inspiring piece for any altar, meditation space, or collector of sacred art. This statue is not merely an object of beauty, but a conduit to spiritual inspiration and a tangible reminder of the pursuit of wisdom in its purest form.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.
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