This nearly 4 feet
high gilded copper statue of Bodhisattva Manjushri is brimming with a colorful
aura, which is the best way in which an artist can underline the brilliance of
the Bodhisattva, who is the embodiment of enlightened wisdom. The flaming sword
in Manjushri’s hand which has the Vajra motif on it is a powerful symbol in
Nepal, where the Bodhisattva is believed to have cut through a lake to make the
Nepal Valley livable. Celebrating the powerful benevolence of Manjushri, the
artist from Nepal has created this masterpiece.
The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Enlightenment
This magnificent, commanding copper idol depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, whose name itself translates to "Gentle Glory." Revered throughout Mahayana Buddhism, Manjushri is the embodiment of transcendental knowledge and the dispeller of ignorance. He is often invoked by students, scholars, and anyone seeking clarity and insight. The serene yet powerful expression of this statue captures Manjushri's compassionate nature and his unwavering commitment to guiding sentient beings towards enlightenment. His posture, a seated meditative pose, signifies deep contemplation and inner peace.
In Buddhist iconography, Manjushri is typically depicted holding a flaming sword in his right hand, symbolizing the piercing of ignorance and illusion, and a scripture in his left, representing the profound wisdom of the Buddha. This exceptional piece from Nepal masterfully renders these attributes, with the sword poised to cut through darkness and the open palm of his left hand offering blessings and protection. The intricate details, from the delicate ornamentation of his crown to the flowing robes that adorn his form, speak to the skill and devotion of the artisans who crafted this divine image.
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A Symbol of Divine Insight and Artistic Excellence
The vibrant and detailed aura (prabhamandala) that encircles Manjushri is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Nepal. This intricate backdrop, often seen in Buddhist art, represents the radiant halo of enlightenment and the cosmic energy that surrounds a divine being. The masterful use of vibrant colors and complex patterns in this aura signifies the multifaceted nature of wisdom, encompassing understanding, discernment, and the ability to see the true nature of reality. The statue itself, wrought from high-quality copper, possesses a lustrous sheen that is further enhanced by traditional Nepalese painting techniques. The colors are rich and symbolic: gold often represents enlightenment and purity, while blues and reds signify compassion and life force, respectively.
The presence of Manjushri is believed to bring intellectual prowess, clarity of thought, and the courage to overcome obstacles rooted in delusion. His lore is vast; he is said to have been born from the crown protrusion of the Buddha, signifying his supreme wisdom. Tales abound of his interventions, guiding individuals and entire communities through periods of darkness and confusion. Possessing such a significant representation of Manjushri is not merely an act of acquiring an artwork; it is an invitation to cultivate wisdom, foster intellectual curiosity, and embrace the path to spiritual understanding within one's own life. This large-scale idol serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and a constant reminder of the boundless potential of the enlightened mind.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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