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8" Set of Three Tibetan Buddhist Gurus (Gampopa,Milarepa and Marpha) From Nepal

$2766
$3688
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Gurus or teachers in Tibetan Buddhism have an honored place amongst the followers, who look up to the great lives and teachings of the Gurus, get initiated in their sect, and become linked to the Guru for life. Presenting the power of Guru-Shishya, a teacher and student in Nepal, these gilded copper statues present Guru Milarepa with his disciples- Gampopa and Marpha. The statues are the visual evocation of the unbreakable bond to the Guru, through the students. Meditating upon the teachings of Mahasiddha Milarepa along with his students ties the devotee with the lineage of the Master for eternity. 

Specifications
NLH043
Copper With Gold
Height: 8 inch
Width: 7 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 5.10 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 Golden Pantheon of Enlightenment

This exquisite set of three statues brings forth the profound spiritual legacy of Tibetan Buddhism, rendered in the lustrous beauty of copper gilded with gold. Each figure, standing at a commanding height, embodies a revered guru, a spiritual guide whose teachings have illuminated the path to enlightenment for countless souls. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition and artistic mastery, these figures are not merely decorative objects but potent symbols of wisdom, compassion, and unwavering devotion. The meticulous craftsmanship is evident in every detail. The flowing robes are textured to suggest the drape of finely woven fabric, while intricate patterns adorn the bases, hinting at the sacred geometry that underpins Buddhist cosmology. The faces, each with a unique expression of serene contemplation, radiate an inner peace that transcends the material. The subtle hints of color on the hair and eyes add a touch of lifelike vibrancy to these sacred representations. The lustrous gold finish, a symbol of purity and enlightenment in many spiritual traditions, imbues the set with an aura of divine presence.

Icons of Wisdom and Compassion

The figures represent Gampopa, Milarepa, and Marpha, each a pivotal figure in the history of Tibetan Buddhism. Gampopa, a physician turned yogi, was a student of Milarepa and played a crucial role in systematizing the teachings of the Kagyu lineage. He is often depicted as a scholar, with a serene countenance and a posture of thoughtful meditation. Milarepa, one of Tibet's most celebrated yogis and poets, is renowned for his ascetic life and his profound spiritual songs, known as "dohas." His statues often capture him in a more dynamic or contemplative pose, reflecting his journey from a vengeful sorcerer to a realized master. Marpha, though less universally known than the other two, represents the lineage of masters who continued to transmit the teachings through generations, preserving the lineage and guiding disciples. The presence of these three figures together signifies the unbroken chain of spiritual transmission, from master to disciple, generation after generation. They serve as a reminder of the importance of lineage and the profound impact that dedicated spiritual practitioners have on the world. Owning such a set is to invite into one's space not just beautiful art, but the blessings and wisdom of these great beings.

A Testament to Craftsmanship and Devotion

These statues are more than just representations; they are vessels of spiritual energy, imbued with the prayers and intentions of their creators. The use of copper, a metal known for its conductive properties, and its gilding with gold, a symbol of ultimate spiritual attainment, creates a powerful synergy. This combination enhances the sacred quality of the figures, making them ideal for altars, meditation spaces, or as a source of inspiration in any home. The craftsmanship speaks to the dedication and skill of Nepalese artisans who have inherited a rich tradition of sacred art. The detailed work, from the gentle folds of the robes to the serene expressions, reflects a deep understanding of the iconography and the spiritual significance of each guru. This set is a testament to the enduring power of Buddhist art to inspire and elevate the spirit.

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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