18" Gilded Copper Nepalese Statue of Bodhisattva Manjushri

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18" Gilded Copper Nepalese Statue of Bodhisattva Manjushri

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Name: 18" Gilded Copper Nepalese Statue of Bodhisattva Manjushri
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: NLH083
Price: 3310.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$3103.50

$4138

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

With tranquillity on his glorious countenance and divine activity in his raised hand holding the flaming sword, this gilded copper Nepalese statue of Bodhisattva Manjushri is sculpted in a rounded manner, with a stunning aureole made using the repoussé technique. The brocaded costume of Manjushri is presented tastefully, with his scarf creating mesmerizing waves around his form. Keeping his hand in the gesture of imparting wisdom- Vitarka mudra, and carrying a sacred book on the lotus next to him, Manjushri in this statue embodies supreme wisdom.

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Specifications

	NLH083
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 18 inch
	Width: 13 inch
	Depth: 7.5 inch
	Weight 7.60 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.

The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Enlightenment

This magnificent, 18-inch gilded copper statue embodies the serene and powerful presence of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Crafted with exquisite detail in the rich artistic tradition of Nepal, this piece is a testament to the deep spiritual heritage and skilled artistry of the region. Manjushri, revered as the embodiment of pure wisdom, is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, often depicted as a young prince or a radiant deity. His presence is believed to cut through ignorance and illusion, illuminating the path to enlightenment. The statue is cast from copper, a material known for its durability and its ability to be shaped into intricate forms. The surface is then lavishly gilded, giving it a luminous, otherworldly glow that signifies spiritual purity and ultimate realization. The lustrous gold finish catches the light, highlighting the delicate musculature, flowing robes, and ornate adornments that grace Manjushri's form. The use of gold further elevates the statue, symbolizing the radiant, unfading nature of wisdom. –––––––––––––––––––

Symbolism and Iconography

Every element of this statue is imbued with profound meaning, inviting contemplation and devotion. Manjushri is depicted here with his characteristic attributes. In his raised right hand, he holds a flaming sword, a potent symbol of the sharpness of wisdom that severs the roots of ignorance and delusion. This sword is not meant for physical harm but represents the intellectual and spiritual discernment that dispels darkness and confusion. In his left hand, he holds the stem of a lotus flower, which blossoms above his shoulder. The lotus, in Buddhist symbolism, represents purity and the ability of enlightenment to blossom even from the mud of worldly suffering. He is seated in a meditative posture, signifying his profound concentration and inner peace. The intricate regalia adorning Manjushri—the jeweled crown, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets—speak to his princely aspect and his regal status as a divine being. The gemstones embedded within the gilded copper, such as the vibrant blue turquoise and the rich red accents, add depth and visual interest, further enhancing the statue's opulence and spiritual significance. The elaborate aureole behind him, a halo of swirling motifs and precious stones, radiates divine energy and signifies his boundless compassion and wisdom that extend throughout the cosmos. –––––––––––––––––––

A Sacred Object of Devotion

This statue is more than just an artwork; it is a sacred object designed to inspire and guide practitioners on their spiritual journey. In Buddhist lore, Manjushri is often invoked to enhance intelligence, sharpen memory, and deepen understanding. His wisdom is said to be the source from which all the Buddhas have arisen. The presence of such a statue in a home or meditation space can serve as a constant reminder of the pursuit of knowledge, clarity, and spiritual awakening. This Nepalese creation, with its ancient roots and timeless message, offers a tangible connection to the profound teachings and aspirations of Buddhist philosophy. It is a piece that will not only enhance the aesthetic beauty of any environment but also serve as a powerful focal point for meditation and spiritual contemplation.

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.