19" Manjushri Idol with Sword | Nepalese Gilded Copper Statue

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19" Manjushri Idol with Sword | Nepalese Gilded Copper Statue

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$2868.75

$3825

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Holding the power of supreme enlightened wisdom in his hand as the flaming sword and the eternal brilliance of Buddha as the Chintamani or wish-fulfilling gem, Bodhisattva Manjushri in this Nepalese statue is the picture of the glorious quickness of the deity in protecting his devotees. Linked with the sweetness that is experiential, Manjushri is draped in heavenly garments, and exquisite ornaments and carries mesmerizing pleasantness on his face. With movement in his raised hand and stillness in his body, Manjushri in this icon is a pristine example of the Nepalese art.

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Specifications

	MIS999
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 19 inch
	Width: 14 inch
	Depth: 9 inch
	Weight 8.50 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.

Embodiment of Wisdom and Enlightenment

This magnificent statue depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. Revered in Mahayana Buddhism, Manjushri is often called the "King of Buddhas" and is the embodiment of all the Buddhas' wisdom. His name itself, Manjushri, translates to "Gentle Glory" or "Sweet Splendor," reflecting the profound understanding and radiant insight he bestows. In Buddhist lore, Manjushri is often depicted as youthful and radiant, signifying the ever-present potential for wisdom within all beings. He is believed to have attained enlightenment eons ago and continues to guide sentient beings towards liberation through his wisdom. –––––––––––––––––––

Symbolism of the Sword and Lotus

Manjushri is famously depicted holding a flaming sword in his right hand, a powerful symbol representing the cutting through of ignorance and delusion. This sword is not meant for physical harm but rather for severing the roots of attachment, anger, and confusion that bind us to the cycle of suffering. In his left hand, he often holds the stem of a blue lotus, which blooms above his left shoulder. The lotus is a universal symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening, rising untainted from the muddy waters of existence. Together, the sword and lotus represent the active cutting away of obstacles to wisdom and the blossoming of pure understanding. –––––––––––––––––––

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship

This exquisite statue is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, a country renowned for its skilled artisans and deeply ingrained spiritual traditions. Crafted from high-quality copper and meticulously gilded with gold, the idol possesses a luminous sheen that evokes a sense of divine presence. The intricate detailing, from the serene expression on Manjushri's face to the delicate folds of his robes and the elaborate ornamentation of his crown and jewels, showcases the dedication and mastery of the craftspeople. The statue rests upon a multi-tiered base, further adorned with traditional motifs, creating a stable and commanding foundation for this sacred representation. The use of turquoise and coral-colored gemstones adds subtle yet vibrant accents, enhancing the overall regal beauty of the piece. This artifact is not merely a decorative item but a sacred object, designed to inspire contemplation and devotion, and to serve as a focal point for meditation and the cultivation of inner wisdom.

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.