Made in Nepal Tibetan Buddhist Goddess Vajrayogini

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$201

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Specifications

	ZCV11
	Copper Statue
	Height: 2.5 inch
	Width: 1.2 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 130 gm

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Fierce Compassion

This exquisite copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, captures the potent essence of Vajrayogini, a revered dakini and wrathful deity in Tibetan Buddhism. She is a manifestation of primordial wisdom, embodying fierce compassion and the power to overcome obstacles on the path to enlightenment. The image depicts her in a dynamic dancing posture, her body adorned with garlands of skulls, signifying her mastery over death and rebirth, and her transcendence of worldly illusions. Her energetic stance, with one leg bent and the other extended, represents her dynamic action and her ability to traverse all realms of existence. ––––––––––––––––––––

Symbolism and Divine Power

Vajrayogini, often referred to as the "Diamond Feminine," is a supreme goddess in the Vajrayana tradition. She is considered the dakini of the mandala, symbolizing the enlightened mind's capacity to transform all experiences into wisdom. Her wrathful aspect is not one of anger, but rather of an unwavering determination to liberate beings from suffering. The skull necklace is a profound symbol of the impermanence of the ego and the ultimate victory over delusion. The flames surrounding her represent the fires of wisdom that consume ignorance and purify the mind. She dances upon a prone figure, often interpreted as the demon Mara, symbolizing the subjugation of negative forces and the triumph of enlightened awareness over negativity and attachment. The presence of a ritualistic staff and a skull-cup (khatvanga and kapala) further alludes to her yogic practices and her ability to extract the essence of existence. ––––––––––––––––––––

Artistry and Devotional Significance

Each detail of this statue speaks to the skill and devotion of its Nepalese artisans. The use of copper lends a unique luminescence to the piece, enhanced by the intricate detailing that brings Vajrayogini to life. The facial expression, though fierce, conveys a profound sense of liberation and inner peace. This statue serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and devotion, inviting practitioners to connect with the potent energy of Vajrayogini. It is a tangible reminder of the transformative power of spiritual practice and the ultimate goal of achieving Buddhahood. Whether displayed in a personal altar or a sacred space, this statue radiates an aura of divine protection and spiritual empowerment, a testament to the rich artistic and religious heritage of Nepal.

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.