Ushnishavijaya, also
known as Namgyalma in Tibet, is a symbol of longevity and protection within
Buddhist doctrine. She is a figure in both spiritual practices and artistic
depictions, known for her calming presence and distinctive features.
Namgyalma is
typically depicted with three faces and eight arms. Each of her three heads
represents her capacity to heal illnesses and remove obstacles across the three
realms (Trailokya). Her central face symbolizes her ability to dispel
disasters. The face on her left signifies her fierceness in defeating demons,
while the face on her right represents her power to bestow long life. The third
eye on her forehead embodies her compassion, insight, and ability to perceive
suffering. With nine eyes, she guides beings towards liberation and signifies
her mastery of the nine stages of enlightenment.
A Vision of Auspicious Power and Enlightenment
This magnificent copper statue embodies the potent energy and profound wisdom of the Dakini Namgyalma, a revered deity in Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted with exceptional artistry in Nepal, this piece is more than just a decorative object; it is a conduit to spiritual contemplation and a testament to centuries of devotional practice. The rich copper, imbued with the patina of time and skilled craftsmanship, lends a sense of enduring power and sacredness to the representation.
Namgyalma, also known as Ushnishavijaya, is a goddess of long life and purification, prominently featured in Vajrayana Buddhism. Her iconography is rich with symbolism, reflecting her multifaceted nature and her role in overcoming obstacles and ensuring auspiciousness. The multiple heads, each with a serene yet commanding expression, represent different facets of wisdom and awareness, overlooking the world with boundless compassion. The numerous arms, outstretched and holding various symbolic implements, signify her boundless power and ability to engage with all phenomena. These gestures, or mudras, are not arbitrary but convey specific teachings and blessings, inviting the practitioner to partake in her enlightened essence.Symbolism and Sacred Significance
The intricate details of this statue speak volumes about its sacred purpose. The central face, often depicted with a golden hue, signifies ultimate illumination and radiant virtue. The other faces may represent different states of consciousness or directional energies, emphasizing Namgyalma's all-encompassing presence. The crowns worn by the deity are not merely adornments but symbols of spiritual authority and the transcended states of being. The gestures of the hands are particularly significant: one hand may hold a vase containing the nectar of immortality, symbolizing the gift of long life, while another might be in a protective gesture, warding off negative influences. The figure is seated in a meditative posture, typically the lotus position, signifying profound peace and mastery over the mind. The lotus itself is a powerful symbol in Buddhism, representing purity, enlightenment, and spiritual growth emerging from the muddy depths of worldly existence.A Masterpiece of Nepalese Artistry
Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and renowned for its sculptural heritage, this statue showcases the meticulous skill of its creators. The use of copper, a metal often associated with sacred objects and longevity, is expertly worked to capture the delicate nuances of Namgyalma's form. The silver embellishments, adorning the jewelry, crowns, and garment details, provide a striking contrast to the rich copper, enhancing the visual dynamism and sacred aura of the piece. Each element, from the serene eyes to the elegantly posed fingers, has been sculpted with a profound understanding of Buddhist iconography and a deep reverence for the divine subject. The base, often a multi-layered lotus and decorative platform, provides a stable and dignified foundation, completing this awe-inspiring representation of spiritual power and grace. This statue serves as an powerful reminder of the aspiration for wisdom, longevity, and the ultimate attainment of enlightenment.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.
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