Handcrafted with precision and
reverence by skilled artisans from Nepal, this brass statue
showcases the fine craftsmanship that brings the figure
of Guru Milarepa to life. Guru Milarepa is depicted in a seated posture -
symbolizing the state of deep contemplation and spiritual realization. The
brass material used for this statue adds a warm, golden hue, further enhancing
its visual appeal and lending a sense of sacredness to the depiction. Guru
Milarepa, known for his profound devotion and his journey from a troubled past
to spiritual liberation, continues to inspire seekers on the path of
enlightenment and inner transformation.
Embodiment of Enlightenment
This exquisite statue captures the serene and contemplative essence of Guru Milarepa, one of Tibet's most revered yogis and poets. Crafted with meticulous detail and a rich copper gilding with gold, this small statue, measuring approximately 4.5 inches, brings a profound spiritual presence to any space. Milarepa's posture, seated in meditation with one hand gently touching his ear, evokes his famous songs and teachings, which were said to be inspired by the very sounds of nature. His emaciated frame is a testament to his ascetic lifestyle, a symbol of his ultimate detachment from worldly desires and his complete dedication to spiritual liberation.
The artistry of this statue reflects the deep cultural and religious heritage of Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition. The vibrant gold accents highlight the sacred nature of Milarepa, representing purity, wisdom, and enlightenment. The rich, aged patina on the copper adds a sense of history and authenticity, suggesting that this piece carries with it the echoes of centuries of devotion. The intricate detailing on his robes, adorned with patterns that speak of ancient symbolism, further enhances the statue's spiritual and artistic value.
––––––––––––––––––A Sage's Journey and Legacy
The story of Milarepa is a powerful narrative of transformation and redemption. Born in the 11th century, he endured immense hardship and tragedy in his youth, leading him to darker paths. However, driven by a deep yearning for spiritual truth, he sought out the great yogi Marpa and became his devoted disciple. Milarepa’s journey was one of intense austerity and profound practice, often meditating in remote caves, enduring extreme weather and hunger. It is said that his body became gaunt from his rigorous asceticism, a physical manifestation of his spiritual discipline.
His enduring legacy lies in his collection of songs, known as "Dohas," which are considered some of the most profound and accessible teachings in Tibetan Buddhism. These poems, filled with wisdom, compassion, and direct insight into the nature of reality, have inspired countless generations of practitioners. The statue, in its quiet contemplation, invites the viewer to reflect on their own spiritual path and the potential for profound transformation that lies within. This representation of Milarepa serves as a constant reminder of the possibility of overcoming suffering and achieving ultimate freedom, a testament to the power of dedication and spiritual realization.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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