17" Tsongkhapa Gilded Copper Nepalese Statue

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17" Tsongkhapa Gilded Copper Nepalese Statue

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$3862.50

$5150

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

A great Buddhist master who excelled in Abhidharma (metaphysics), Madhyamika (middle path), prajnaparamita (knowledge), pramana (logic), and Vinaya (rules for monks), Tsongkhapa in this gilded copper Nepalese statue is presented in the act of disseminating the knowledge of Buddha. On the two lotuses blooming beside him are the Vajra and a book, symbols of powerful awakened knowledge. In his palm placed in the gesture of Meditation, Tsongkhapa has a flowing pot of ambrosia which is filled with the nectar of supreme wisdom.

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Specifications

	MIU213
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 17 inch
	Width: 13 inch
	Depth: 9 inch
	Weight 7.80 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 15 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.

The Radiant Form of Je Tsongkhapa

This exquisite statue depicts Je Tsongkhapa, the revered Tibetan Buddhist scholar and saint who founded the Gelug school. Crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with gold, this impressive 17-inch representation embodies the spiritual grandeur and artistic mastery of Nepalese craftsmanship. The serene countenance, characterized by gentle eyes, a subtle smile, and intricately rendered eyebrows, invites contemplation and reverence.

Symbolism and Sacred Adornments

The statue is adorned with symbolic elements that speak volumes within the Buddhist tradition. Je Tsongkhapa is shown seated in the traditional lotus posture, a symbol of purity and enlightenment. His robes are detailed with intricate patterns, reflecting the meticulous artistry and dedication involved in its creation. In his hands, he holds the symbolic sword of wisdom and a lotus flower, representing the cutting away of ignorance and the blossoming of enlightenment, respectively. These attributes are deeply significant, recalling the celestial attributes of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, with whom Tsongkhapa is often associated. Legend has it that Tsongkhapa, in his profound wisdom, was an emanation of Manjushri himself, destined to bring about a renewal of Buddhist teachings.

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Artistry

Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in centuries of Buddhist art and devotion, this statue is a testament to the enduring legacy of its artisans. Nepalese metalwork, particularly in the creation of Buddhist iconography, is renowned for its intricate detail, the use of precious metals, and its deep spiritual resonance. The gilding process, meticulously applied to the copper, imbues the statue with a luminous quality, reminiscent of the divine radiance attributed to enlightened beings. The lotus base, a common motif in Buddhist art, symbolizes the purity and spiritual growth that can emerge even from the muddy waters of worldly existence. This statue serves not merely as a decorative object but as a potent reminder of the path to enlightenment, a spiritual anchor for any sacred space. Its substantial size and the rich gleam of its gilded surface command attention, drawing the viewer into a realm of profound spirituality and aesthetic beauty.

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.