The historical founder of Buddhism, Shakyamuni Buddha, was also a spiritual guide. Born in the 5th century BCE in Lumbini (present-day Nepal), he later obtained enlightenment under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, India.
Following his enlightenment, Shakyamuni Buddha spent the rest of his life teaching the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to nirvana. Buddhism was founded on his teachings, which were contained in the Dharma.
In order to emphasise the serene and introspective character of his trip, Shakyamuni Buddha is frequently shown in meditation poses in art. Millions of people throughout the world are still inspired by the Buddha's life story, teachings, and symbols like the Dharma wheel and Bodhi tree.
A Vision of Enlightenment from the Himalayas
Gaze upon this exquisite Shakyamuni Buddha statue, a masterpiece of Nepalese artistry that captures the very essence of spiritual awakening. Handcrafted in the heart of Nepal, a land steeped in the profound teachings of Buddhism, this idol embodies the serenity and wisdom of the Buddha himself. The rich, vibrant colors and the gleaming gilded copper create a visual symphony that draws the viewer into a state of contemplation and peace.
The figure depicts Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, in a moment of deep meditation. His posture, known as the vajra posture or lotus position, signifies stability and unshakeable composure. The hands are held in the *Bhumisparsha Mudra*, the gesture of touching the earth, symbolizing his enlightenment and his victory over the temptations of Mara, the demon of delusion. Legend tells of the earth itself bearing witness to his ultimate realization, as he called upon the earth goddess to affirm his right to enlightenment. The bowl he holds in his left hand represents his mendicant’s bowl, a reminder of his renunciation of worldly possessions and his commitment to a life of simplicity and spiritual pursuit.Symbolism and Craftsmanship
The opulent golden hue of the Buddha’s skin, achieved through meticulous gilding, signifies purity and spiritual radiance. The robes, traditionally depicted as saffron or ochre, are here rendered in a striking crimson, a color often associated with vitality, passion, and the auspiciousness found in Tibetan art. The intricate golden patterns adorning the robes are not mere decoration; they often represent auspicious symbols, mandalas, or the cycles of life and rebirth, adding layers of meaning for those who understand the visual language of Buddhist iconography. The serene expression on the Buddha's face, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile, invites introspection and conveys a sense of profound inner peace.
This statue is more than just an object of beauty; it is a conduit for spiritual connection. In Nepalese Buddhist traditions, statues are not merely decorative items but are imbued with spiritual energy through consecration rituals. They serve as focal points for meditation, prayer, and devotion, helping practitioners to cultivate mindfulness and compassion. Bringing this Shakyamuni Buddha into your home or sacred space is an invitation to embrace the Buddha's teachings on impermanence, suffering, and the path to liberation. It is a tangible reminder of the potential for enlightenment that lies within each of us, waiting to be awakened. The artistry and devotional intent behind this piece make it a truly precious addition to any collection or personal altar.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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