Bhumisparsha or earth-touching Buddha in art is a profound message materialized for his followers. This glorious copper statue from Nepal is a depiction of the Bhumi-sparsha Buddha, emanating heavenliness with his presence. Buddha is wrapped in the Cheevara which is adorned by scenes of his divine life, symbolizing the actions that led Siddhartha to become Buddha. Beautifully delineated, the garment of Buddha displays episodes like cutting off his hair prince Siddhartha on the torso, Siddhartha saving the swan on the reverse, and many other prominent scenes from the life of Buddha.
The lotus seat of the Buddha too, is decorated with images of meditating Buddha and Mahaparinirvana of Buddha. A pristine example of the art of Nepal Valley, this Bhumisparsha Buddha statue is a representation of the greatness of Tathagata and a guide to the followers, telling them to follow the life of the Buddha, to experience the bliss of enlightenment.
Embodiment of Enlightenment
This exquisite copper statue captures the profound moment of Lord Buddha's enlightenment, represented by the powerful Bhumisparsha Mudra. The Bhumisparsha Mudra, often translated as the "Earth-Touching Gesture," signifies the Buddha's victory over Mara, the demon who tempted him with worldly pleasures and illusions. According to Buddhist lore, it was at this juncture, while meditating under the Bodhi tree, that Siddhartha Gautama vowed to remain in meditation until he attained enlightenment. Mara sent his armies and his daughters to distract him, but the Buddha remained steadfast. In this mudra, his right hand reaches down, fingertips lightly touching the earth, calling upon the Earth itself as his witness to his righteous path and his ability to overcome all obstacles. The left hand rests in his lap, palm upwards, in the meditative gesture.Craftsmanship from Nepal
Hailing from the skilled artisans of Nepal, this statue is a testament to centuries of rich artistic tradition. Copper, a metal revered in many cultures for its durability and spiritual significance, is meticulously shaped and cast to bring this sacred form to life. The intricate detailing on the Buddha's robes depicts scenes and figures that add layers of meaning to the sculpture, inviting contemplation and deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy. Each fold of the cloth, each subtle curve of the body, and the serene expression on the Buddha's face are rendered with remarkable precision, reflecting the dedication and reverence of the craftspeople. The lustrous patina of the copper enhances the sense of timelessness and spiritual depth, making this piece a truly captivating devotional object or an inspiring addition to any art collection.A Symbol of Steadfastness and Truth
The Bhumisparsha Mudra is more than just a posture; it is a potent symbol of unwavering resolve, spiritual strength, and the triumph of truth over illusion. In the narrative of Buddha's life, this gesture represents the moment he solidified his enlightenment, proving that inner peace and wisdom are achievable through discipline and perseverance. This statue serves as a constant reminder of these principles, offering a focal point for meditation, prayer, or simply quiet reflection. It embodies the grounding force of the earth, the ultimate witness to all actions, and the unshakeable foundation of Buddhist teachings. Displaying this statue in your home or sacred space can invoke a sense of tranquility, inspire courage in the face of challenges, and deepen one's connection to the path of enlightenment. Its presence is an invitation to remember the Buddha's journey and the universal truths he revealed.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.
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