Saptalochani- the seven (sapta) eyed (lochani), more popularly known as White Tara in Buddhism is presented in this masterful gilded copper
statue from Nepal. Her seven beautiful eyes are marked on her face, hands, and feet mirroring the delicateness of lotus petals. Her supple hands are placed in the gestures of giving boons and imparting wisdom. White Tara’s youthful form is wrapped in silken attire which is delineated with a superb naturalism. Worshipped for the attainment of spiritual healing and longevity, Tara in this icon embodies the warmth of a universal mother.
The Radiant Embodiment of Compassion: White Tara
This exquisite statue captures the serene presence of White Tara, a revered bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing longevity, compassion, and enlightenment. Crafted from high-quality copper and adorned with a lustrous gold plating, this divine representation is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal. The goddess is depicted in her iconic posture, seated in vajra posture, with her right hand extended in the gesture of *varada mudra*, bestowing blessings and dispelling fears, while her left hand, resting on her lap, holds the stem of a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening.A Divine Aura and Intricate Craftsmanship
The deity's countenance is one of gentle serenity, with downcast eyes that radiate wisdom and inner peace. A third eye adorns her forehead, signifying her omniscient nature. Her elaborate headdress, adorned with precious stones, and the delicate ornaments that grace her neck and arms, speak of her celestial status. The intricate detailing on her robes and the elaborate ornamentation of the lotus throne further enhance the statue's magnificence. The use of gold plating not only elevates the aesthetic appeal but also imbues the sculpture with a sacred glow, reflecting the divine light of compassion that White Tara embodies. The artistic mastery evident in every curve and detail reflects the centuries-old traditions of Nepalese metalcraft.White Tara: A Goddess of Protection and Longevity
In Buddhist lore, White Tara emerged from the tears of compassion shed by the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who wept upon witnessing the suffering of sentient beings. She is considered a female manifestation of universal compassion and a powerful protector against obstacles and dangers. Her followers invoke her for long life, good health, and the attainment of spiritual liberation. She is often depicted with a white hue, signifying purity and tranquility. The mantra associated with White Tara, "Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha," is chanted to invoke her blessings for protection and to overcome all forms of fear and suffering. This statue serves as a tangible connection to these profound spiritual ideals, offering a focal point for meditation and devotion.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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