On a
glistening Vishwapadamasana- a double-layered lotus seat that represents an
awakened mind, Lord Buddha sits, with his right hand in the Earth touching
gesture and carrying an alms bowl in his left. A magnificently detailed halo in
the style of Nepal sculptures is placed behind him and he is adorned with a
beautifully delineated monk’s robe. The aura of his body is enhanced by the use
of gold with copper, which looks especially divine on his face, which is the
pinnacle of enlightened peace.
The Awakened One
This striking statue, crafted in Nepal, depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, the sage and founder of Buddhism. More than just a representation, this piece embodies the journey from princely life to enlightenment, offering a visual reminder of the path to inner peace and liberation. Its serene presence can transform any space into a sanctuary for meditation, reflection, and spiritual growth.
Craftsmanship and Materials
The statue is meticulously crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with gold, a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Nepal. The copper provides a robust foundation, ensuring longevity, while the gold overlay signifies purity, value, and the enlightened state. The detailed ornamentation adorning the Buddha's robes and the lotus pedestal showcases the skill and dedication of the artisans who brought this piece to life. Measuring 29.0 x 20.5 x 14.0 inches, this substantial statue commands attention and invites contemplation.Historical and Spiritual Significance
Shakyamuni Buddha, originally known as Siddhartha Gautama, was born a prince in Lumbini (modern-day Nepal) around the 6th century BCE. Legend tells of his privileged upbringing, shielded from the realities of suffering. However, encounters with old age, sickness, and death profoundly impacted him, leading him to renounce his worldly life and embark on a quest for enlightenment. After years of rigorous asceticism and meditation, Siddhartha attained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India, becoming the Buddha – the Awakened One.
His teachings, centered on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, provide a framework for understanding suffering and achieving liberation from it. Buddha's life and teachings are a source of inspiration for millions worldwide, offering a path to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and inner peace.
Iconography and Mudra
The statue depicts Shakyamuni Buddha seated in the lotus position, a posture symbolizing stability and spiritual awakening. His left hand rests in his lap in the Dhyana mudra (meditation mudra), indicating deep concentration. His right hand is in the Bhumisparsha mudra (earth-touching mudra), a gesture that represents the moment of his enlightenment. In this crucial moment, Mara, the demon of temptation, tried to distract him from attaining enlightenment. Buddha called upon the Earth to witness his past merits, solidifying his right to enlightenment. The elaborate halo behind the statue adds to the overall effect. A visual celebration and reminder of the achievement of enlightenment.
This exquisite statue is more than just an object of art, it is a powerful symbol of hope, transformation, and the potential for enlightenment within each of us. It serves as a reminder that even amidst suffering, the path to peace and liberation is always accessible.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.
Upload an Image
