"Let him
hear the law preached, and fear shall no longer arise in his heart if he is
plagued by the fear of what he will go through at the moment of death. Preach
what is right, do good deeds, and act morally after my death. I will be found
wherever good deeds are done (Mahaparinirvana
Sutta). Within the Buddhist philosophy, the death as well as the life of
the Buddha have spiritual significance.
Buddha's
profound wisdom is frequently depicted in Mahaparinirvana
Buddha statues, where the Buddha smiles knowingly at the
brink of death, having realized the cycle of life and death, and attained the
wisdom of Nibbana during his life. In this beautiful copper statute, the Buddha
lies relaxedly, on a platform that has legs like the lion’s paws, making it a
“Simhaasana” or lion’s throne, perfect for the last rest of the mortal form of
Shakya-simha, the lion of Shakya clan, whose roar is still heard in the Dharma
he preached.
A Symbol of Serenity and Enlightenment
This exquisite copper idol captures the serene repose of the Buddha in his final moments before achieving Parinirvana, the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and renowned for its masterful metalwork, this statue embodies a profound sense of peace and spiritual attainment. The intricate detailing, from the tranquil expression on the Buddha’s face to the flowing robes and the delicately rendered hands, speaks of the artisan’s deep reverence and skill.
The depiction of the Buddha in a reclining posture is significant. It represents his passing from the earthly realm, but not as an end, rather as a transition to a state of eternal bliss and boundless wisdom. In Buddhist lore, this posture is often associated with overcoming illness and suffering, and signifies the Buddha’s final teachings to his disciples, reminding them of the impermanence of all conditioned phenomena. The peaceful countenance, with eyes gently closed, invites contemplation and inner stillness, offering a visual anchor for meditation and mindfulness.Artistry from the Himalayas
The use of copper as a medium for this sacred image is deeply rooted in Nepalese artistic traditions. Copper, with its warm hue and malleability, allows for the creation of finely detailed sculptures that possess both a sense of weight and ethereal beauty. Nepalese artisans, drawing from generations of inherited techniques and spiritual understanding, imbue each piece with a palpable sense of devotion. The patina that develops over time on copper statues adds to their character and spiritual depth, making each piece a unique treasure. This idol, with its sophisticated casting and meticulous finishing, is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, a region that has long been a vital center for Buddhist art and pilgrimage. The craftsmanship evident in the raised hairline curls, the urna on the forehead, and the distinct ushnisha atop his head, all serve as auspicious marks of enlightenment.An Object of Meditation and Devotion
This sleeping Buddha statue is more than just a decorative item; it is an invitation to cultivate inner peace and contemplate the deeper meanings of life. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of calm and reflection. Whether placed in a meditation room, a quiet corner of your home, or as a focal point in a spiritual practice, the idol emanates an aura of tranquility and wisdom. The gentle posture serves as a constant reminder of the Buddha's teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and the path to enlightenment. It is a perfect piece for those seeking to deepen their spiritual journey, to bring a sense of sacredness into their environment, or to appreciate the profound beauty of Buddhist art. The detailed platform on which the Buddha rests, complete with ornate legs, further enhances the statue's regal and sacred presence.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.
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