9" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Manjushri Copper Statue from Nepal

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9" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Manjushri Copper Statue from Nepal

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Name: 9" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Manjushri Copper Statue from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS624
Price: 290.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$250.50

$334

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Manjushri is depicted with one face and two hands, both delicately holding the stems of two lotus flowers that blossom near each of his ears. These lotus blossoms carry important symbols: the one on his right supports a flaming sword, which represents wisdom, and the one on his left supports the Prajnaparamita Sutra, a key Buddhist text.

Manjushri's countenance is peaceful, and he is often portrayed with a gentle smile. He wears a crown, jewel ornaments, and elegant silk garments in various colors. He is seated in a vajra posture, signifying stability and meditation, atop a multi-coloured lotus, which rests on a moon disc. This entire ensemble is supported by a tiered throne, often adorned with lions.

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Specifications

	MIS624
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 6 inch
	Depth: 3 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.

The Bodhisattva of Wisdom

This exquisite copper statue, intricately crafted in Nepal, depicts Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. In Tibetan Buddhism, Manjushri is one of the most significant celestial Bodhisattvas, revered as the embodiment of perfect wisdom, knowledge, and discernment. He is often portrayed as a young prince, symbolizing the freshness of insight and the clarity that comes from true understanding. The golden hue of the statue signifies his enlightened nature, radiating the brilliance of wisdom.

Symbolism and Iconography

Manjushri is famously depicted holding a flaming sword in his right hand, which he raises above his head. This powerful symbol represents the cutting through of ignorance and delusion, dispelling the darkness of confusion with the sharp edge of wisdom. The flames further emphasize the transformative and purifying power of this wisdom. In his left hand, he often holds the stem of a lotus flower, upon which rests the Prajnaparamita Sutra, the "Perfection of Wisdom" scripture. This association highlights his role as the patron of scholarship and the guardian of profound teachings. The serene yet determined expression on his face conveys a sense of compassion and unwavering resolve in his mission to guide beings towards enlightenment. The elaborate crown adorned with precious stones further signifies his royal status as a prince of the Dharma.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

This statue is a testament to the masterful artistry of Nepalese metalworkers. Cast from copper and adorned with a lustrous gold plating, it possesses a rich, warm glow that enhances its spiritual aura. The delicate details of his garments, the graceful posture, and the subtle nuances of his facial features are all rendered with exceptional skill and precision. The inclusion of small, vibrant turquoise and coral-like embellishments adds pops of color, reflecting traditional Tibetan aesthetic preferences and further enriching the visual appeal of the deity. The base, sculpted to represent a lotus throne, symbolizes purity and spiritual blossoming, a common and auspicious motif in Buddhist art.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

Manjushri is a pivotal figure in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in Tibet, where he is invoked by scholars, students, and anyone seeking to overcome ignorance, doubt, and mental obstacles. Legends abound of his miraculous interventions and his role in revealing hidden teachings. He is considered the celestial teacher who illuminates the path to Buddhahood. Possessing an image of Manjushri is believed to invoke his blessings, fostering clarity of thought, enhancing memory, and encouraging the pursuit of wisdom. This statue serves not only as a beautiful work of art but also as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of wisdom in achieving spiritual liberation.

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.