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9" Bhumisparsha Buddha from Nepal

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$553.50

$738

25% off

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Specifications

	WSA115
	Copper
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 6 inch
	Depth: 8 inch
	Weight 1.94 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.

The Gesture of Enlightenment: A Nepalese Copper Masterpiece

This exquisite copper statue from Nepal captures the profound moment of the Buddha's enlightenment. Seated in the serene lotus posture, the figure embodies the pinnacle of spiritual attainment. The right hand, gently extended towards the earth, touches the ground in the Bhumisparsha mudra, the "earth-touching gesture." This iconic pose symbolizes the Buddha's victory over Mara, the demon who tempted him with desires and distractions during his meditation under the Bodhi tree. Legend has it that the earth itself bore witness to his unwavering resolve and compassion, and it is this very earth that he calls upon to affirm his enlightenment.

Crafted with Sacred Intentions

Meticulously crafted from high-quality copper, this statue is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Nepal. The skilled artisans have poured their devotion and expertise into every detail, from the serene expression on the Buddha's face to the intricate folds of his monastic robe. The lustrous finish of the copper, enhanced by subtle antiquing, imbues the sculpture with a sense of timeless wisdom and grace. The base, adorned with traditional motifs, provides a stable and reverent foundation for this sacred representation. This piece is more than just a decorative object; it is an invitation to contemplate the path to inner peace and awakened consciousness.

A Symbol of Wisdom and Compassion

The Bhumisparsha mudra is not merely a gesture; it is a powerful symbol. It represents the triumph of wisdom over ignorance, of clarity over illusion, and of steadfastness over temptation. It reminds us that even in the face of immense challenges, the power of inner strength and truth can lead to liberation. Placing this statue in your home or meditation space serves as a constant reminder of these enduring principles, encouraging mindfulness and fostering an atmosphere of tranquility and spiritual growth. It's an ideal piece for those seeking to cultivate a deeper connection with Buddhist philosophy and to invite the blessings of the awakened one into their lives. This artifact, originating from the heartland of Buddhist artistry, carries with it the blessings and spiritual vibrations of centuries of practice and devotion.

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.