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9" Amitabha Buddha From Nepal

$609.75
$813
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
WSA023
Copper
Height: 9 inch
Width: 3.5 inch
Depth: 7.5 inch
Weight 1.46 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 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 Light

This exquisite copper sculpture captures the serene presence of Amitabha Buddha, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Revered as the Buddha of Infinite Light and Infinite Life, Amitabha presides over the Western Pure Land, Sukhavati, a paradise where beings can attain enlightenment with great ease. The statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in Buddhist tradition and artistic heritage, radiates a profound sense of peace and spiritual tranquility. The iconography of Amitabha is clearly and beautifully represented here. He is depicted in the lotus position, a symbol of purity and enlightenment emerging from the muddy waters of samsara. His hands are held in the Dhyana Mudra, the gesture of meditation, with the thumbs touching, signifying concentration and the unification of wisdom and compassion. This posture invites the viewer into a state of contemplation and mindfulness, mirroring the Buddha's own path to enlightenment. The intricate crown and ornamentation adorning his head are indicative of his royal lineage and his supreme status as a Buddha.

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship

The artistry displayed in this copper statue is a testament to the rich sculptural traditions of Nepal. Artisans have poured their skill and devotion into every detail, from the gentle curve of the Buddha's serene face to the flowing robes and the elaborate lotus pedestal upon which he rests. The use of copper lends the sculpture a warm, inviting hue and allows for the capture of incredibly fine details, evident in the delicate patterns on his garments and the symbolic motifs etched into the base. Each element is thoughtfully rendered, contributing to the overall aura of divinity and sacredness. The sculptor's ability to imbue the metal with such lifelike form and spiritual depth is truly remarkable.

The Promise of Sukhavati

Amitabha Buddha is particularly revered for his vow to save all sentient beings by allowing them to be reborn in his Pure Land, Sukhavati. It is believed that by sincerely chanting his name and cultivating devotion, one can be reborn in this blissful realm, where the path to enlightenment is greatly accelerated. This statue serves as a potent reminder of Amitabha's compassionate promise and the possibility of achieving liberation. The tranquil expression on his face conveys immense patience and understanding, offering solace and hope to practitioners on their spiritual journey. Displaying this statue in your home or meditation space can serve as a constant inspiration, inviting the blessings and wisdom of the Buddha of Infinite Light into your life. The skillful execution of the copper casting, a method honed over centuries in the Himalayan region, ensures this piece is not only an object of devotion but also a timeless work of art.

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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