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8" Copper Aparmita Statue from Nepal | Amitayus Nepalese Idol

$562.50
$750
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Aparmita is revered as the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life, embodying boundless compassion and wisdom. It is said that by invoking Amitabha's name with sincere faith and aspiration, one can be reborn in his Pure Land, where the path to enlightenment is facilitated and obstacles are reduced. Depicted sitting meditating on a lotus throne, symbolizing purity and spiritual growth, his right hand is in the gesture of touching the earth, representing his calling on the earth to witness his awakening. While his left hand holds a vessel containing the nectar of immortality, representing the elixir of life and longevity.

Specifications
CAA023
Copper With Gold
Height: 8.5 inch
Width: 7 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 1.70 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Embodiment of Infinite Life

This magnificent sculpture from Nepal captures the divine presence of Aparmita, also known as Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life and Merit. Crafted from copper and adorned with exquisite gold detailing, this piece is a testament to the skilled artistry and profound spiritual heritage of Nepalese artisans. The seated figure embodies serenity and compassion, inviting contemplation and inner peace for all who behold it. The iconography of Amitayus is rich with symbolism. He is often depicted with the symbolic vase of amrita, the nectar of immortality, in his hand, signifying his power to bestow longevity and freedom from the cycle of rebirth. His posture, often in the meditation mudra, represents the profound stillness and wisdom achieved through enlightenment. The serene expression, the elaborate crown, and the delicate ornamentation all contribute to an aura of divine grace and boundless compassion. The turquoise and red accents, meticulously embedded, further enhance the vibrancy and spiritual energy of the sculpture.

A Legacy of Reverence

The worship of Amitayus is deeply rooted in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in Tibetan and Nepalese traditions. He is revered as a Bodhisattva who embodies the merit of all Buddhas and offers long life and freedom from suffering. Legends speak of his vows to grant long life to all beings who call upon him, making him a crucial figure for those seeking to overcome the fear of death and attain spiritual liberation. This statue, created in the heartland of Buddhist art, carries with it centuries of devotion and a direct connection to these sacred traditions. The meticulous craftsmanship, from the textured robes to the intricate crown, reflects a deep understanding of Buddhist iconography and a desire to create an object that is not only beautiful but also spiritually potent.

An Enduring Symbol of Serenity

The choice of copper, a metal known for its conductivity and historical significance in religious artifacts, combined with the radiant allure of gold, creates a sculpture of unparalleled beauty and spiritual resonance. The contrast between the darker, textured copper of the robes and the gleaming gold of the face and adornments draws the eye and emphasizes the divine nature of the deity. The gentle folds of the garment, the delicate hand gesture, and the calm, knowing gaze all contribute to a sense of profound tranquility. This statue serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of life and the enduring pursuit of spiritual wisdom and well-being. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of peace and contemplation, connecting the viewer to the timeless teachings of Buddhism and the compassionate essence of Amitayus.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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