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Superfine Guru Padmasambhava Seated From Nepal

$3933
$5244
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Padmasambhava- the lotus-born teacher in Himalayan Buddhism is the great master for innumerable students, who are guided by the enlightened light of the teacher on the difficult path of their life. The intricately adorned gilded copper Padmasambhava statue from Nepal depicts the powerful master in an emotive mood, wearing his characteristic qualities decorated with minute patterns and studded with stones. Vajra, a pot of ambrosia, and a staff with three heads form the attributes of Padmasambhava in this icon, on whose reverse are the Wheel of Enjoyment symbolizing Buddha, Dhamma, and Sangha, flanked by two deer.           

Specifications
CAA209
Copper With Gold
Height: 15 inch
Width: 8.5 inch
Depth: 7.5 inch
Weight 5.20 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Embodiment of Wisdom and Compassion

This exquisite statue captures the serene and powerful presence of Guru Padmasambhava, the Lotus-Born, a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Revered as the "Second Buddha," Padmasambhava is credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet in the 8th century, subduing negative forces and establishing the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism. His influence is so profound that he is often invoked for protection, guidance, and the overcoming of obstacles.

Artistry and Symbolism

Crafted from high-quality copper and meticulously gilded with gold, this sculpture radiates an aura of divinity and spiritual potency. The lustrous gold finish not only signifies purity and enlightenment but also elevates the status of the revered master. Padmasambhava is depicted in a relaxed yet dignified seated posture, symbolizing his mastery over the material world and his attainment of inner peace. His regal attire, adorned with intricate patterns and inset with vibrant turquoise and coral-like stones, speaks to his royal lineage and his role as a protector and benefactor of all beings. The detailed rendering of his robes, with their flowing folds and rich ornamentation, is a testament to the exceptional skill of the Nepalese artisans who brought this masterpiece to life.

Iconographic Details

In his right hand, Padmasambhava holds a vajra, the thunderbolt scepter, symbolizing indestructibility and the ultimate reality. In his left hand, he cradles a skull-cup (kapala), a potent symbol of impermanence and the renunciation of ego. The vajra is often depicted poised to strike, representing the dispelling of ignorance and delusion, while the kapala reminds devotees of the transient nature of all phenomena. The statue is further enhanced by the presence of a khatvanga, a ritual staff, often associated with Padmasambhava, topped with a trident (vajra-trident), symbolizing the subjugation of the three realms of existence and his control over the forces of nature. His serene expression, wide-open eyes, and subtle smile convey profound wisdom, boundless compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of all sentient beings. The elaborate crown signifies his enlightened status and his sovereign authority over the spiritual realm.

A Sacred Masterpiece

This statue is more than just a work of art; it is a focal point for devotion and a conduit for spiritual connection. Its presence in a home or meditation space can serve as a constant reminder of the teachings of Padmasambhava and inspire practitioners on their path to enlightenment. The masterful craftsmanship and symbolic richness of this piece make it a truly invaluable treasure, embodying the profound spiritual heritage of Nepal and the enduring legacy of the great master, Guru Padmasambhava.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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