21" Shakyamuni Buddha Seated on Pedestal From Nepal

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21" Shakyamuni Buddha Seated on Pedestal From Nepal

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$5639.25

$7519

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Draped in a splendid robe which is patterned with flowing vines and the Buddhist signs of auspiciousness or Ashtamangala, this gilded copper Nepalese statue of the Buddha is a powerful device for the followers of Tathagata to visualize and realize his enlightenment. Buddha sits on a bloomed lotus seat which symbolizes an enlightened mind, holding a monk’s bowl in his hand placed in Dhyana mudra. Buddha’s facial features in this statue are delineated with immaculate realism instilling in the artwork a magnetism beyond words.

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Specifications

	MIU208
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 21 inch
	Width: 17 inch
	Depth: 13 inch
	Weight 14.20 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.

An Emblem of Enlightenment from the Himalayas

This magnificent statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, captures the serene presence of Shakyamuni Buddha. Fashioned from copper and lavishly gilded with gold, it embodies the radiant purity and profound peace associated with the Enlightened One. The Buddha is depicted in a classic seated posture, with his legs crossed in a meditative cross-legged position. His right hand rests on his right knee, palm facing downwards in the Bhumisparsha Mudra, or the earth-touching gesture. This mudra symbolizes the moment of his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, where he called upon the Earth goddess to witness his spiritual triumph over the temptations of Mara. His left hand rests in his lap, palm facing upwards, in the Dhyana Mudra, signifying meditation and concentration.

The Glorious Form of the Awakened One

The intricate detailing of the robe that drapes over the Buddha's left shoulder is a testament to the skilled artistry of Nepalese craftspeople. The flowing fabric is adorned with delicate, swirling patterns, each element rendered with precision. The Buddha's face is characterized by its gentle, compassionate expression, with half-closed eyes that convey deep introspection. His elongated earlobes, a mark of his princely heritage before renouncing worldly life, are prominent. A subtle urna, a spiral of hair on the forehead symbolizing spiritual insight, graces his brow, and his tightly curled hair is topped with a ushnisha, the cranial protuberance representing his supreme wisdom. The entire form rests upon an ornate, tiered lotus pedestal, a common symbol in Buddhism representing purity and spiritual awakening. The lotus blooms upwards, its petals unfurling to support the divine presence, signifying that even in the midst of the muddy world, enlightenment can blossom.

A Legacy of Devotion and Craftsmanship

Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition and artistic heritage, has long been a center for the creation of sacred Buddhist art. The techniques passed down through generations of Newar artisans are evident in the exquisite finish and profound spiritual aura of this statue. The use of gold, a material symbolizing divinity, purity, and wealth, accentuates the sacred nature of the subject. This statue is not merely an object of beauty; it is an invitation to contemplation and a conduit to the teachings of the Buddha. It serves as a powerful reminder of the path to liberation, encouraging mindfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of wisdom in one's own life, echoing the stories of the Buddha's life and his journey towards enlightenment. The presence of such an object can transform any space into a sanctuary for peace and spiritual reflection.

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.