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Tibetan Buddhist Deity Medicine Buddha

$413
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZBH80
Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
Height: 8.3 inch
Width: 5.3 inch
Depth: 3.5 inch
Weight 1.40 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
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 Healing Buddha: A Symbol of Compassion and Well-being

Embodying the essence of healing and spiritual well-being, this exquisite statue depicts the Medicine Buddha, also known as Bhaisajyaguru. In Buddhist traditions, the Medicine Buddha is revered as a celestial bodhisattva who has made a vow to free all sentient beings from suffering, particularly from the three poisons: ignorance, attachment, and aversion. His presence is a beacon of hope, offering solace and guidance on the path to overcoming physical, mental, and spiritual ailments. The iconography of the Medicine Buddha is rich with meaning. He is typically depicted seated in a meditative posture, often with his right hand resting on his knee, palm outward, in the gesture of granting boons or dispelling fear. His left hand cradles a medicine bowl, from which sprouts the medicinal herb *Arura* or *Myrobalan*, symbolizing his ability to cure all diseases. In this particular representation, the intricate details of the statue speak to the masterful craftsmanship and the profound spiritual significance embedded within its form. The statue is crafted from copper, a metal often associated with healing properties and the transmission of spiritual energy in many cultures. The luminous sheen of 24-karat gold gilding further enhances its divine aura, making it a truly breathtaking piece.

A Revered Deity in Tibetan Buddhism

The Medicine Buddha holds a special place in Tibetan Buddhism, where devotion to him is widespread. He is believed to have existed before the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, and is one of the Seven Buddhas of Antiquity. Tales of his miraculous healing powers are prevalent, and his mantra is widely chanted by practitioners seeking to purify their minds and bodies, and to alleviate the suffering of others. Invoking the Medicine Buddha is a practice aimed at cultivating compassion, wisdom, and the ultimate goal of enlightenment, which is seen as the highest form of healing. This statue serves as a powerful visual aid for meditation and prayer, bringing the presence of this benevolent deity into one's sacred space.

Craftsmanship and Spiritual Significance

This statue is a testament to the dedication and skill of Nepalese artisans who have preserved ancient artistic traditions. The careful rendering of the Buddha's serene countenance, the flowing robes, and the symbolic gestures all contribute to the statue's profound spiritual presence. The use of copper provides a solid foundation for the intricate details, while the 24-karat gold gilding imbues it with a celestial radiance. The rich colors and textures evoke a sense of timeless beauty and spiritual depth. Whether placed in a home altar, a meditation room, or as a decorative piece, this Medicine Buddha statue serves as a constant reminder of the power of healing, compassion, and the potential for spiritual transformation that lies within us all. Its presence can inspire peace, reduce anxiety, and foster a deeper connection to one's spiritual path.

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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