Amitayus Buddha Copper Idol | Nepalese Copper Statue

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Amitayus Buddha Copper Idol | Nepalese Copper Statue

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$2868.75

$3825

25% off

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Only 1 available

Envisioned as an immensely youthful celestial being, with a slender form, Amitayus, the Lord of Eternal Life in Buddhism is depicted in this gilded copper Nepalese statue. Life-affirming waters overflowing from the pot, mystically swaying frills of the crown, curls formed by the scarf, and the heavenliness in Amitayus’s eyes bring an awe-inspiring richness to the statue. With a masterful use of incised lines and precious stones, motifs such as Vajra, dhamma chakra, and deer, are added to the reverse of the golden throne of Amitayus.

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Specifications

	MIS995
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 19 inch
	Width: 14 inch
	Depth: 9 inch
	Weight 8.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 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 Life and Boundless Light

This magnificent representation of Amitayus Buddha, the Bodhisattva of Infinite Life and Boundless Light, is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal. Crafted from high-quality copper and exquisitely gilded with pure gold, this statue radiates an aura of divine serenity and profound spiritual significance. Amitayus is a celestial Buddha venerated in Mahayana Buddhism, particularly in Tibet, for his association with longevity, wisdom, and the cessation of suffering. He is often depicted in a regal form, adorned with the twelve ornaments of a Sambhogakaya Buddha, signifying his enlightened state and his ability to bestow blessings upon all sentient beings. ––––––––––––––––––––

Symbolism and Iconography

The posture of Amitayus in this sculpture is the vajra-posture, a symbol of unwavering stability and enlightenment. His hands are joined in the *dyana mudra*, the gesture of meditation, cradling a vase filled with the nectar of immortality. This sacred vessel, often depicted as an *amrita kalasha*, represents the elixir that grants long life and spiritual awakening. His serene countenance, with half-closed eyes, conveys deep introspection and boundless compassion. The elaborate crown and the cascading jewels adorning his body are not merely decorative; they symbolize his status as a celestial being and the richness of his enlightened qualities. The use of turquoise and red stones further accentuates the opulence and sacredness of the deity. ––––––––––––––––––––

Artistic Craftsmanship and Cultural Significance

The tradition of creating such intricate Buddhist sculptures in Nepal dates back centuries. Nepalese artisans are renowned for their mastery of metal casting and repoussé techniques, imbuing each piece with a lifelike quality and spiritual vitality. The fine detailing on the robes, the delicate features of the face, and the intricate ornamentation of the base all speak to the meticulous skill and devotion of the craftspeople. This statue is more than just an object of art; it is a sacred vessel for devotion, meditation, and the invocation of Amitayus’s blessings. In Buddhist tradition, contemplating or making offerings to an image of Amitayus is believed to help practitioners overcome obstacles to long life, illness, and the cycle of rebirth, leading them towards enlightenment. It is a powerful reminder of the potential for spiritual attainment and the profound wisdom that lies within.

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.