15" Shakyamuni Buddha Nepalese Copper Statue | Buddhist Deity Idols From Nepal

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15" Shakyamuni Buddha Nepalese Copper Statue | Buddhist Deity Idols From Nepal

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$1720.50

$2294

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Shakyamuni Buddha, born in central north India is the designation for Gautama Buddha. This title specifically distinguishes him from the broader meaning of 'Buddha,' signifying 'the awakened one.'

He is depicted seated on a double lotus base, his right hand holding a vessel, his left hand in Bhumisparsha mudra, denoting the moment of Mara's challenge. He touched the earth, invoking the Earth Goddess's testimony to his asceticism and meditation. Adorned in a simple monastic robe, the sanghati, his eyes bear inlaid marks, a reflection of either Kashmiri or Eastern Indian influence. Notably, his halo, known as the Prabha, showcases a distinctive element: nine medallions housing depictions of nine goddesses.

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Specifications

	CAA114
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 15 inch
	Width: 10 inch
	Depth: 5.5 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

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Enlightenment: A Magnificent Shakyamuni Buddha Statue

This exquisite statue captures the serene countenance and profound wisdom of Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Crafted with meticulous artistry from copper and finished with a lustrous gold patina, this piece radiates an aura of spiritual power and tranquility. Its impressive size and intricate detailing make it a commanding presence, suitable for adorning a meditation space, altar, or as a statement piece in a curated collection. The Buddha is depicted in a classic seated posture, symbolizing his deep meditation beneath the Bodhi tree, where he attained enlightenment.

A Regal Depiction of the Awakened One

The statue presents Shakyamuni Buddha adorned with a regal headdress and opulent jewelry, a common artistic convention in Tibetan and Nepalese Buddhist iconography. This majestic presentation signifies his royal lineage as Prince Siddhartha, before renouncing his worldly possessions to seek the truth. The crown, embellished with vibrant lapis lazuli, carnelian, and turquoise, mirrors the celestial adornments often associated with enlightened beings and bodhisattvas. The elaborate chest ornament, also rich with colorful gemstones, draws the eye and emphasizes the divine nature of the Buddha.

Artistry Rooted in Tradition

The rich gold finish not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also symbolizes purity, illumination, and the radiant nature of enlightenment itself. The copper base provides a solid foundation, intricately carved with lotus motifs, a universal symbol of spiritual purity and rebirth. Each detail, from the gentle curve of the Buddha's urna (a dot on his forehead symbolizing his third eye) to the subtle folds of his monastic robe, speaks to the skill and devotion of the Nepalese artisans. Their lineage of craftsmanship, passed down through generations, ensures that each statue is not merely an object but a vessel of spiritual energy and artistic excellence.

The Path to Nirvana: Iconography and Symbolism

Shakyamuni Buddha, whose name means "Sage of the Shakyas," is the historical Buddha, born in Lumbini, Nepal. His journey to enlightenment is a central narrative in Buddhism, illustrating the possibility of overcoming suffering and achieving liberation. The gesture of his hands, with the right hand resting on his knee and the left in his lap, often signifies the Bhumisparsha mudra, or the earth-touching gesture, where he called upon the Earth Goddess to witness his unwavering resolve against the temptations of Mara. This statue, with its commanding presence and intricate symbolism, serves as a constant reminder of the Buddha's teachings and the path to inner peace. It is an invitation to contemplate the profound truths of existence and to cultivate a spirit of compassion and wisdom in one's own life.

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.