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20" Budhisattva Vajrapani From Nepal

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$1983

$2644

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This exquisite sculpture from Nepal depicts Bodhisattva Vajrapani, a powerful and compassionate figure in the Buddhist tradition. Standing at 20 inches tall, the statue showcases Vajrapani in a dynamic posture, adorned with intricate ornaments and holding a vajra, a symbol of indestructible power. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are remarkable, capturing the deity's fierce yet benevolent expression. Bodhisattva Vajrapani represents the embodiment of strength and wisdom in the pursuit of enlightenment. Displaying this sculpture can inspire individuals on their spiritual journey, reminding them of the importance of courage and compassion.

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Specifications

	MIT053
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 20 inch
	Width: 16 inch
	Depth: 8 inch
	Weight 13 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 Awakened Power

This magnificent statue portrays Vajrapani, a powerful Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, renowned as the "Vajra Holder." Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition, this artwork radiates an aura of potent energy and profound wisdom. Vajrapani is an emanation of the primordial Buddha and a protector of the Dharma, embodying the enlightened mind's unwavering strength and wrathful compassion to overcome obstacles and negative forces. His fierce countenance, characterized by wide-open eyes, a snarling mouth, and a formidable posture, signifies his militant dedication to safeguarding the teachings and practitioners from delusion and malevolence.

Iconographic Significance and Artistic Mastery

The intricate details of this sculpture speak volumes about its spiritual and artistic significance. Vajrapani is depicted in a dynamic stance, his body painted in a deep, resonant blue, symbolizing the vastness of the sky and the infinite nature of consciousness. He is adorned with a golden face, representing his awakened awareness and the brilliance of enlightenment. The flaming aureole behind him is a visual metaphor for the purifying fire of wisdom, consuming ignorance and illusion. His attire, including the tiger skin loincloth, signifies his mastery over primal instincts and his taming of the wild, untamed aspects of existence. The many skulls adorning his headdress and the snake coiled around his neck are potent symbols of overcoming death and impermanence, and the transmutation of negative energies. In his hands, he grasps symbolic implements, such as the vajra (thunderbolt or diamond scepter) and bell, which represent skillful means and wisdom, respectively. This statue is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of Nepalese artisans who imbue each piece with deep spiritual meaning. The use of copper with gold plating adds a layer of preciousness and permanence, further enhancing the sacred quality of the deity.

Guardianship and Spiritual Warfare

In Buddhist cosmology, Vajrapani is considered one of the most powerful protectors, often invoked to destroy inner demons like attachment, aversion, and ignorance, as well as external obstacles. His wrathful form is not intended to instill fear but to signify his fierce determination and the ultimate triumph of enlightenment over all negativities. Tales abound of Vajrapani's interventions, from protecting the Buddha himself from demonic attacks to clearing the path for spiritual progress. This statue serves as a tangible reminder of this protective force, offering solace and strength to devotees. Its presence can be a focal point for meditation, encouraging the cultivation of inner strength, clarity, and unwavering resolve in the pursuit of spiritual awakening. The very act of beholding this powerful image can inspire one to confront their own inner challenges with renewed courage and determination, channeling the unyielding spirit of Vajrapani.

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.