Sculpted in a royal lustre of cola shade, having a smooth, solid and glossy texture, Bhaisajyaguru sits in his usual cross-legged posture of padmasana and eyes closed in deep meditation. He is also known as ‘Medicine Buddha’ as he is the supreme healer, both for oneself as well as others. This statue is sculpted in Nepal having the characteristic art style of round face, restricted use of jewels and clothes and maintaining the simplicity. The sharp features and realistic expressions communicate that feel of spirituality directly to the viewer’s heart. As per Vajrayana tradition of Buddhism, any kind of illness can be cured by spiritual practices, whether it is physical or emotional like attachment, hatred or ignorance
This deity here is carved in the iconic attributes of any Buddha figure having long earlobes, conch lines on the neck signifying his soulful voice and short coiled hairs matted together forming a ushnisha at the top. He holds a jar of medicine nectar in the left hand and right hand rests on the knee holding a stem of the Aruna fruit or Myrobalan between his thumb and forefinger; garbed gracefully in a pleated robe with a thin border decorated in an ethnic pattern. The accurate shape and size of each and every feature of this statue enhances its beauty and allures to the eyes.
A Symbol of Healing and Compassion
This exquisite copper statue from Nepal embodies the benevolent form of the Medicine Buddha, also known as Bhaisajyaguru. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Medicine Buddha is revered as the master of healing, embodying the transcendent power to alleviate suffering and overcome disease. He is often depicted seated in a meditative pose, radiating an aura of profound peace and compassion. This particular representation, crafted with meticulous attention to detail, is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepalese artisans.
The Medicine Buddha is central to many Buddhist healing rituals and practices. According to legend, he made twelve vows to heal all sentient beings from the three poisons – greed, ignorance, and hatred – and to guide them towards enlightenment. His image serves as a powerful reminder of these vows and inspires devotion, offering solace and hope to those seeking physical and mental well-being. His serene expression and dignified posture invite contemplation, encouraging practitioners to cultivate inner peace and a compassionate heart.
––––––––––The Iconography of Healing
This statue captures key iconographical elements associated with the Medicine Buddha. He is typically shown seated on a lotus throne, symbolizing purity and spiritual awakening. In his left hand, resting in his lap, he holds a begging bowl, often overflowing with medicinal herbs, signifying his role as the supreme healer. His right hand is extended downwards, palm facing outwards, in the *vitarka mudra* or the gesture of teaching, or sometimes resting on his right knee, palm up, signifying generosity and the granting of boons. The presence of the medicinal bowl is particularly significant, as it represents the potent remedies he offers to cure not only physical ailments but also the sickness of the mind, such as delusion and attachment. The intricate robes and serene countenance further enhance the spiritual aura of this sacred figure.
––––––––––A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship
Handcrafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual traditions and renowned for its metalwork, this statue is more than just an object of devotion; it is a work of art. The use of copper, a metal historically valued for its conductivity and malleability, allows for the finely rendered details and the deep, lustrous finish. The patina achieved through traditional methods lends an air of antiquity and reverence to the piece. Each curve, each fold of the robe, and the delicate features of the face are rendered with a skill passed down through generations of artisans. Owning such a piece is to connect with the profound spiritual practices of Tibetan Buddhism and to appreciate the enduring beauty of traditional Nepalese craftsmanship. This statue can serve as a focal point for meditation, prayer, or as a meaningful decorative item that inspires tranquility and well-being in any space.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.
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