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19" Sapu Mahakala From Nepal

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$2062.50

$2750

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Specifications

	NLH059
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 19 inch
	Width: 13 inch
	Depth: 6.5 inch
	Weight 11.50 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.

The Ferocious Protector: Mahakala in Radiant Form

This magnificent statue depicts Mahakala, a powerful wrathful deity revered in Tibetan Buddhism as a protector of the Dharma. Originating from Nepal, this representation is crafted from copper and adorned with intricate gold detailing, creating a visually striking and spiritually resonant artifact. Mahakala is not a deity to be feared in the conventional sense, but rather a fierce guardian who overcomes obstacles and destroys delusion, thereby clearing the path to enlightenment. His terrifying aspect serves to inspire awe and dissolve negative energies and spiritual impediments.

Mythological Significance and Symbolism

Mahakala, whose name translates to "Great Black One," is an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This paradoxical transformation from compassion to wrath highlights the potent methods employed in Mahayana Buddhism to guide beings towards liberation. When gentler approaches fail, the fierce compassion of Mahakala arises to powerfully confront and eradicate obstacles. He is often depicted with a ferocious countenance, multiple arms, and a surround of flames, symbolizing his ability to consume all negativity and ignorance. In this particular representation, the dynamic flames surrounding the deity are rendered in contrasting metallic hues, with accents of gold and silver, suggesting the fiery energy that emanates from his very being. The deity's aggressive stance and powerful form are meant to instill courage and determination in practitioners.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

This sculpture is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal. The skilled artisans have meticulously shaped the copper to capture the dynamic essence of Mahakala. The application of gold is not merely decorative; it signifies purity, wisdom, and the luminous nature of the enlightened mind. Every detail, from the snarling expression of the deity's face, complete with bared fangs and piercing eyes, to the powerful musculature and the intricate ornamentation of his divine attire, speaks of profound skill and devotion. The various attributes held in his hands, though not fully detailed here, would further elaborate his specific functions and powers. The base upon which Mahakala stands is equally significant, often depicting conquered demons or enemies, symbolizing his victory over the forces that obstruct spiritual progress. The delicate rendering of these subjugated figures adds another layer of narrative to the overall composition, reinforcing Mahakala's role as a vanquisher of negativities.

A Powerful Presence for Devotion and Meditation

This 19-inch statue is more than just an object of art; it is a powerful tool for spiritual practice. Its commanding presence makes it an ideal centerpiece for a meditation space, altar, or sacred room. Gazing upon this representation of Mahakala can inspire practitioners to confront their own inner obstacles, cultivate courage, and deepen their resolve on the spiritual path. The combination of raw power and sublime artistry invites contemplation on the nature of compassion and the necessity of overcoming delusion to achieve true freedom. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or an admirer of exquisite Buddhist art, this Mahakala statue offers a profound connection to ancient wisdom and powerful protective energy.

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.