9" Amitabha Buddha Copper Statue from Nepal

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MADE IN INDIA.

9" Amitabha Buddha Copper Statue from Nepal

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$750

$1000

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This copper statue from Nepal with a beautiful luster of the metal, invokes Amitabha, who shines eternally with the light of knowledge. Amitabha has captivating symmetry in his facial features and curls, which defines his youthful face with an aura of compassion. Embodying an eternal stillness, Amitabha expresses the bliss of residing in his abode- Sukhavati, one of the paradises in Buddhism, where the Buddha rules over pure souls who are reborn in the land of Amitabha, nourished by his divine aura.

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Specifications

	MIS521
	Copper
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Ships in 1-3 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Infinite Light and Longevity

This exquisite copper statue from Nepal presents a serene depiction of Amitabha Buddha, also known as Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Light and Longevity. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the sculpture embodies the profound spiritual essence of this revered figure within Mahayana Buddhism. Amitabha is a celestial Buddha who presides over the Western Pure Land, Sukhavati, a paradise where beings can be reborn and achieve enlightenment without the obstacles of the earthly realm. His image is a source of comfort, hope, and inspiration for countless practitioners seeking liberation and a favorable rebirth. ––––––––––

Artistry and Symbolism in Copper

The choice of copper as the medium for this statue is significant. Copper is known for its durability, its ability to capture intricate details, and its warm, inviting patina that deepens with age, mirroring the spiritual growth of a practitioner. The artist has skillfully rendered Amitabha in a meditative posture, seated in the lotus position (padmasana), signifying perfect stability and control. His hands are clasped in his lap, forming the mudra of meditation (dhyana mudra), often with one hand resting atop the other and thumbs touching, cradling a bowl of nectar. This bowl is symbolic of the divine ambrosia that bestows immortality and wisdom, a key attribute of Amitayus. The serene expression on Amitabha's face, with gently closed eyes and a soft, subtle smile, conveys profound peace and compassion. His monastic robes are draped elegantly, showcasing the folds and textures with remarkable realism. The intricate ornamentation adorning his shoulders and waist adds a touch of regal splendor, hinting at his status as a celestial sovereign of Sukhavati. The urna, a spiral of hair on his forehead, and the ushnisha, a cranial protuberance, are iconic marks of a Buddha, signifying his enlightened consciousness and superior wisdom. ––––––––––

A Gateway to the Pure Land

Amitabha Buddha is central to the devotional practices of Pure Land Buddhism, a school that emphasizes faith in Amitabha's grace as the primary means to attain rebirth in his Pure Land. Chanting Amitabha's name (nembutsu or nianfo) is believed to invoke his compassionate vows and guide the devotee towards Sukhavati. In legends, Amitabha vowed to save all sentient beings who call upon him with sincere faith. This statue serves as a powerful focal point for such devotion, inviting contemplation of his boundless compassion and the aspiration for a spiritual awakening in a realm free from suffering. The presence of this statue in a home or meditation space can foster a sense of tranquility, encourage mindfulness, and serve as a constant reminder of the path to enlightenment.

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.