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15" Sitting Manjushri Copper Statue from Nepal

$1462.50
$1950
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Manjushri, the transcendent wisdom Bodhisattva, takes on the form of a sixteen-year-old prince in the Buddhist tradition, embodying the concept of wisdom. He originally achieved enlightenment eons ago but made a vow to return as a Bodhisattva to illuminate the teachings of selflessness and voidness.

 

Manjushri sits serenely upon a lotus seat with a moon disc. His right hand firmly grasps the wisdom sword, while vibrant and precious jewelry adorns his form. In his left hand, he cradles a lotus bearing the Prajna Paramita. Crowned with five jeweled ornaments, his hair is intricately tied in a three-tier top knot, symbolizing his elevated wisdom and spiritual essence.

Specifications
MIT044
Copper with Gold Plated
Height: 15 inch
Width: 10 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 5 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.

Embodiment of Wisdom and Enlightenment

This exquisite statue depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, in a powerful and serene pose. Crafted with meticulous detail from copper and finished with a lustrous gold plating, it embodies the profound spiritual significance of this revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Manjushri is often described as the personification of all the Buddhas' wisdom, and his presence is invoked to dispel ignorance and illuminate the path to enlightenment. Manjushri's iconic attributes are strikingly represented here. In his raised right hand, he wields a flaming sword, symbolizing the sharp intellect that cuts through illusion and misunderstanding. This sword is not meant for physical harm but for severing the roots of suffering, doubt, and attachment. The flames signify the transformative power of wisdom, capable of burning away ignorance and confusion. In his left hand, resting on his lap, he holds a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment. The lotus blooms unstained by the muddy waters from which it grows, representing the Bodhisattva's ability to remain pure and compassionate amidst the complexities of the world.

Artistry from the Himalayas

Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and artistic heritage, this statue is a testament to the skill of Nepalese artisans. The vibrant colors and intricate ornamentation that adorn Manjushri are typical of traditional Tibetan and Nepalese Buddhist art. The crown, the jewelry, and the elaborate base are all richly decorated, reflecting the opulence and majesty befitting a celestial being. The seated posture, a common representation of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, signifies a state of deep meditation and inner peace. The serene expression on Manjushri's face, with his half-closed eyes, conveys a profound sense of mindfulness and compassion. Manjushri is a central figure in many Buddhist scriptures and is often depicted as a youthful prince, ready to engage in debate and expound the Dharma. Legends tell of his youthful wisdom, surpassing even that of his elders, and his eagerness to guide sentient beings towards liberation. He is revered for his ability to grant intelligence, memory, and the courage to confront and overcome spiritual obstacles. This statue serves as a powerful visual reminder of the pursuit of wisdom and the potential for spiritual awakening that lies within all beings.

A Source of Inspiration and Devotion

This magnificent Manjushri statue is more than just a decorative object; it is a sacred artifact designed to inspire devotion and contemplation. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of peace and spiritual focus. Whether placed in a home altar, meditation room, or as a centerpiece in a collection of Buddhist art, it invites practitioners to cultivate their own inner wisdom and clarity. The robust copper construction, coupled with the fine gold plating, ensures its durability and lasting beauty, allowing its spiritual essence to resonate for generations to come. This piece is an invitation to engage with the profound teachings of Buddhism and to embrace the journey towards enlightenment, guided by the wisdom of Manjushri.

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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