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18" Mongolian Tara Copper Statue from Nepal

$2306.25
$3075
25% off
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Only 1 available

Infused with the balance of voluptuousness and suppleness of Mongolian artworks, this gilded copper Mongolian Tara from Nepal is an example of Buddhism’s journey across the Asian continent. Mongolian Tara is depicted seated on a lotus throne with her right leg hanging down, wearing the ornaments of a bodhisattva. Her face is slightly fierce and her furrowed brow above the eyes of Tara found in Nepalese sculptures, is more active and open in this Mongolian version, giving the icon an energetic appearance. Mongolian Tara is made with copper and gold and her diaphanous attire is more well-defined.

Specifications
CAA036
Copper With Gold
Height: 18.5 inch
Width: 12 inch
Depth: 9.5 inch
Weight 7.90 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.

The Radiant Embodiment of Compassion

This exquisite statue captures the divine essence of Tara, the compassionate female Bodhisattva who embodies enlightened activity and is revered as a mother goddess in Tibetan Buddhism. Her name, "Tara," is often translated as "star," symbolizing her role as a guiding light and savior from the darkness of suffering. In legends, Tara is said to have emerged from a tear shed by the compassionate Avalokiteshvara, signifying her profound empathy for all sentient beings. She is a swift protector, responding instantly to the prayers of those in danger, offering solace and liberation from fear, illness, and adversity.

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Artistry

Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition and renowned for its master artisans, this statue is a testament to centuries of artistic heritage. The form of Tara is rendered in rich copper, meticulously finished with a lustrous gold overlay, imbuing the deity with a celestial radiance. Her serene countenance, with downcast, knowing eyes and a gentle smile, conveys an aura of profound peace and wisdom. Adorned with elaborate jewelry, including a jeweled crown, necklaces, and bracelets, each detail is carefully articulated, reflecting the devotion and skill poured into its creation. The intricate lotus throne upon which she sits is a powerful symbol of purity and enlightenment, a sacred platform from which her benevolent energy emanates.

Symbolism and Devotion

Tara is depicted here in her benevolent aspect, seated in the relaxed posture of royal ease. Her left hand rests on her lap, holding the stem of a lotus, a common attribute signifying her connection to purity and her ability to blossom amidst the worldly mire. Her right hand is raised in the gesture of *varada mudra*, the boon-granting gesture, extended downwards to offer blessings, protection, and fulfillment of wishes. The presence of the lotus, a symbol of awakening and spiritual growth, further emphasizes her role in guiding devotees towards enlightenment. This statue is not merely an object of art but a focal point for meditation and devotion, intended to inspire compassion and courage in those who behold it. Its imposing size and the brilliance of its golden finish make it a commanding presence, suitable for altars, meditation rooms, or as a significant piece in a collection of sacred art.

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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