Shakyamuni Buddha
is a glazing Buddha statue that symbolizes peace and divine beauty.
Shakyamuni Buddha is depicted as a half-closed eyes figure in the Bhumisparsha mudra, symbolizing deep meditation and peace
of mind. He taught different kinds of teachings, mostly sutras and tantras to
suit the varying degrees of intelligence of his disciples. His left hand forms
an earth-touching gesture, symbolizing his triumph over temptations. The curls
on Shakyamuni’s head are beautifully depicted and highlighted with black color.
The facial features are presented with exquisite detail and grace. When placed
in any place, this Buddha statue can enhance peace of mind.Â
A Vision of Enlightenment: Lord Shakyamuni Buddha
This magnificent statue captures the serene presence of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, in a pose of profound meditation and wisdom. Crafted from copper with exquisite gold accents, this piece originates from the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage. The deep blue hue of the Buddha's body is symbolic, representing the vast, boundless nature of the mind and the primordial purity of consciousness. This vibrant color is often associated with healing, wisdom, and the infinite sky, reflecting the spiritual enlightenment achieved by the Buddha.
Symbolism and Craftsmanship
The serene countenance of the Buddha, with downcast eyes and a gentle smile, invites contemplation and inner peace. His posture, seated in the lotus position (Padmasana), signifies stability and balance, a foundation for deep meditation. His right hand rests on his knee, palm down, a gesture known as the Bhumisparsha Mudra, or Earth-touching gesture. This powerful mudra symbolizes the moment of his enlightenment when he called upon the Earth goddess, Bhumi, as his witness to overcome the temptations of Mara. The intricate red robe, adorned with swirling golden patterns, speaks of the richness and beauty of the Dharma – the teachings of the Buddha. The golden motifs are not mere decoration; they represent the flowing currents of universal truth and compassion that emanate from the enlightened one. The statue rests upon a multi-layered lotus base, another potent symbol in Buddhist art. The lotus, which rises pristine from muddy waters, signifies purity of body, speech, and mind, and the ability to transcend worldly defilements. The vibrant colors and detailed artistry of the base further enhance the divine aura of the central figure.
A Legacy of Serenity and Wisdom
In Nepalese Buddhist art, the portrayal of Buddha is not just a depiction but a conduit for spiritual energy. Each detail, from the urna on his forehead (a curl of hair symbolizing divine sight) to the ushnisha on his head (a protuberance signifying his enlightened wisdom), is imbued with profound meaning. This sculpture is a testament to the enduring legacy of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha, whose teachings continue to guide millions towards peace and liberation. It serves as a constant reminder of the potential for enlightenment within all beings and a focal point for meditation and prayer. The use of copper, a metal revered for its conductivity and purity, further amplifies the spiritual resonance of the idol. The meticulous application of gold adds a layer of auspiciousness and divine radiance, making this piece a treasure to behold and a powerful spiritual artifact for any devotee or collector. This piece is more than just an object; it is an invitation to connect with a timeless wisdom and a source of profound tranquility.
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.
