21" Colourful Shakyamuni Buddha Idol in Bhumisparsha Mudra | Nepalese Copper Statue

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21" Colourful Shakyamuni Buddha Idol in Bhumisparsha Mudra | Nepalese Copper Statue

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Name: 21" Colourful Shakyamuni Buddha Idol in Bhumisparsha Mudra | Nepalese Copper Statue
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIT051
Price: 2025.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1898.25

$2531

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Shakyamuni Buddha, a distinct appellation for Gautama Buddha, serves to differentiate the historical Buddha from the broader term 'Buddha,' signifying 'the awakened one.'

In his right hand, he gently holds a pot, while his left hand assumes the Bhumisparsha mudra, known as the earth-touching gesture. This mudra symbolizes the pivotal moment of the Buddha's enlightenment when he invoked the Earth Goddess to bear witness, notably during the assault by Mara, the tempter. By touching the earth, he sought testimony for his unwavering commitment to austerity and meditation. His eyes bear subtle marks of inlaying, influenced either by Kashmiri or Eastern Indian artistry.

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Specifications

	MIT051
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 21 inch
	Width: 15 inch
	Depth: 10 inch
	Weight 10.50 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.

A Serene Embodiment of Enlightenment

This magnificent idol captures the serene presence of Shakyamuni Buddha in the powerful Bhumisparsha Mudra, a gesture of unwavering resolve and attainment. Crafted in Nepal with the esteemed tradition of Nepalese artistry, this statue is a testament to devotional craftsmanship and spiritual depth. The rich copper base, meticulously plated with gold, lends an aura of opulence and sacredness, reflecting the divine light of enlightenment. The vibrant colours adorning the Buddha's robes and the intricate lotus base create a visually captivating piece that draws the viewer into a meditative state.

The Bhumisparsha Mudra: Witness to Enlightenment

The Bhumisparsha Mudra, known as the "earth-touching gesture," is one of the most significant poses in Buddhist iconography. Legend tells of Prince Siddhartha's struggle for enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. As he meditated, the demon Mara, representing temptation and illusion, attempted to disturb his concentration. Siddhartha, with his right hand resting on his knee and fingertips pointing towards the earth, called upon the earth goddess to bear witness to his resolve and the countless lives he had lived to achieve this ultimate wisdom. This gesture signifies his victory over Mara and his profound connection to the earth as the source of his strength and enlightenment. This representation inspires us to find our own inner strength and commitment when faced with challenges, reminding us of the power of perseverance.

Nepalese Artistry: A Sacred Heritage

Nepalese artisans have a long and revered history of creating sacred art, particularly for Buddhist traditions. Their meticulous attention to detail, deep understanding of iconography, and masterful use of materials are evident in every aspect of this statue. The skilled application of gold plating adds a luminous quality, highlighting the divine form of the Buddha. The vibrant hues used for the robes and the multi-layered lotus throne are characteristic of Nepalese religious art, symbolizing purity, growth, and the unfolding of spiritual awareness. Each brushstroke and sculpted detail carries the weight of generations of artistic tradition, making this idol not just a beautiful object, but a conduit to spiritual devotion and cultural heritage. The intricate patterns and the dynamic depiction of mythological motifs woven into the fabric of the robes further enhance its artistic merit and spiritual significance, inviting contemplation on the interconnectedness of all life.

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.