Superfine Mahasiddha Virupa (Made in Nepal)

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MADE IN INDIA.

Superfine Mahasiddha Virupa (Made in Nepal)

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$1031.25

$1375

25% off

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Specifications

	ZEM787
	Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 6.2 inch
	Depth: 8 inch
	Weight 2.60 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	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 Radiance of Virupa: A Symbol of Attainment

This magnificent sculpture captures the essence of Mahasiddha Virupa, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for his mastery over tantric practices and his role in transmitting the Kalachakra tantra. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition, this piece is a testament to the enduring artistry and devotion of its creators. The use of high-quality copper, meticulously gilded with 24-karat gold, imbues the sculpture with an ethereal glow, mirroring the enlightened state Virupa is said to have achieved. The inherent warmth of the gold speaks to the transformative power of his teachings, offering a beacon of spiritual light to all who behold it.

Embodying Enlightenment: Symbolism and Pose

The pose of the sculpture is deeply symbolic. Virupa is depicted in a relaxed yet powerful seated position, signifying his mastery over the worldly illusions and his serene detachment. His head is tilted upwards, with a hand reaching towards the heavens, an action often interpreted as an invocation or a gesture of receiving divine knowledge. This dynamic posture conveys a sense of spiritual aspiration and the ongoing quest for ultimate truth. In his other hand, he cradles a vessel, perhaps representing the nectar of wisdom or the emptiness that is the source of all phenomena. The intricate details of his attire, the elaborate jewelry, and the floral motifs adorning his garments speak to the opulence of the spiritual realm and the richness of the teachings he embodies.

The Legend of Virupa: Wisdom and Transformation

The legend of Virupa is rich with tales of his extraordinary abilities and profound wisdom. It is said that he once stopped the sun in the sky for three days to fulfill a promise and demonstrate the power of his spiritual attainments. Another popular narrative recounts how he, in his earthly life, was a great scholar and practitioner who faced worldly distractions and temptations. Through his unwavering dedication to the Dharma, he transcended these obstacles, ultimately achieving the state of Mahasiddha – a great realized being. His story serves as an inspiration, demonstrating that enlightenment is attainable through diligent practice and the overcoming of inner and outer challenges. The vibrant red accents on his beard and hair, along with his piercing blue eyes, are often interpreted as representations of his fiery passion for the Dharma and his sharp, insightful perception of reality.

A Treasure from Nepal: Craftsmanship and Devotion

Each sculpture of Mahasiddha Virupa is a unique creation, handcrafted by skilled artisans in Nepal, a region globally recognized for its exceptional Buddhist art. The process of creating such a piece involves a deep understanding of iconographic traditions and a profound respect for the spiritual significance of the figures depicted. The meticulous attention to detail, from the serene expression on Virupa's face to the delicate ornamentation, reflects generations of inherited knowledge and artistic dedication. Owning this statue is not merely acquiring a decorative object; it is embracing a tangible piece of spiritual heritage, imbued with the blessings and profound wisdom of a revered master. It is a powerful reminder of the path to awakening and a beautiful addition to any sacred space or collection.

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.