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18" Mahakala Buddha From Nepal

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$3764.25

$5019

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Trampling death under his foot that are sculpted so beautifully that they inspire one to write in the praise of their delicate etherealness, this masterpiece Mahakala statue from Nepal is emanating the powers of the great Buddhist deity. Adorned by serpents that dangle around his swaying body, Mahakala’s voraciously opened mouth mimics an endless dark cave, for the forces of evil that he devours. Wide eyes and colored brows bring a sense of drama to the composition, which is increased fourfold thanks to the magnificent golden fiery aureole.

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Specifications

	MIU372
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 18 inch
	Width: 14 inch
	Depth: 8.5 inch
	Weight 9.10 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.

Embodiment of Fierce Protection

This magnificent copper statue, meticulously gilded with radiant gold, captures the awe-inspiring presence of Mahakala, a powerful dharmapala, or protector deity, in Tibetan Buddhism. Standing at eighteen inches tall, this artwork is a testament to the skill of Nepalese artisans, whose mastery of metalwork brings to life the potent energy and symbolism of this formidable deity. The statue is a vibrant representation of Mahakala's role as a vanquisher of obstacles, a destroyer of spiritual ignorance, and a fierce guardian of the Dharma. ––––––––––––––––––

Symbolism and Divine Aura

Mahakala, often depicted with a fearsome countenance, embodies the wrathful aspect of compassion, signifying the power to overcome negativity and illusion. His multiple faces, characteristic of this deity, represent his omnipresence and his ability to perceive all aspects of reality. The crowns adorned with skulls adorning his head are not symbols of death in a morbid sense, but rather symbolize his transcendence over the cycle of rebirth and his mastery over the ego. The flames that erupt from his form represent the purification fire that burns away all impediments to enlightenment and the passionate energy required for spiritual transformation. The coiling snakes often depicted around his body represent his control over the primal forces of nature and his ability to subdue negative energies. ––––––––––––––––––

Artistic Heritage and Craftsmanship

Crafted from copper and then meticulously gilded with pure gold, this statue possesses a luminous quality that enhances its spiritual significance. The smooth, polished surfaces reflect light, imbuing the piece with a divine glow. The intricate details, from the expressive facial features to the delicate rendering of the flames and adornments, showcase the exceptional craftsmanship of the artisans who created it. Such statues are not merely decorative objects; they are devotional tools, intended to inspire contemplation, meditation, and a deeper connection with the protective forces of the Buddhist tradition. The origin of such artistry in Nepal is deeply rooted in centuries of spiritual practice and artistic innovation, drawing inspiration from ancient tantric traditions and the rich cultural tapestry of the Himalayan region. This piece serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Buddhist art and its capacity to convey profound spiritual truths.

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.