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Tsongkhapa (Set of 3) From Nepal

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Name: Tsongkhapa (Set of 3) From Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIU376
Price: 6855.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$6426.75

$8569

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Tsongkhapa in Buddhist culture is the establisher of the Gelugpa sect, a prominent Vajrayana order to which belong the Dalai Lamas. The heavenly aura of Tsongkhapa in these Nepalese gilded copper statues symbolizes his pristine wisdom as the establisher of the Yellow Hats and a great Buddhist master. The three statues from Nepal present the teacher in varied states of enlightened existence. One depicts him with the gesture of turning the wheel of Dhamma, while the other two belonging to his mature age, show him teaching the Dhamma, with the Vitarka Mudra and a book.

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Specifications

	MIU376
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 18 inch
	Width: 36 inch
	Depth: 9 inch
	Weight 22.30 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	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.

A Pantheon of Golden Enlightenment

The profound teachings of Buddhism have inspired countless works of art, and this exquisite set of three Tsongkhapa statues stands as a testament to that enduring legacy. Crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with pure gold, these figures radiate an unparalleled aura of spiritual power and serene wisdom. Each statue captures a different facet of the venerated 14th-century Tibetan Buddhist scholar and mystic, Je Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism.

The Master and His Teachings

Je Tsongkhapa, also known as Losang Drakpa, was a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism. His comprehensive philosophical system and emphasis on monastic discipline revitalized the spiritual landscape of Tibet. Legends speak of his extraordinary intellect, his ability to master complex doctrines with ease, and his profound meditation practices. He is often depicted in iconography with a blue lotus, symbolizing his purity and wisdom, and sometimes with a sword, representing the cutting of ignorance. These statues, while not directly depicting these attributes, embody the very essence of his enlightened presence and the clarity of his teachings, which sought to illuminate the path to liberation for all sentient beings. ––––––––––

Artistry and Divine Craftsmanship

The meticulous detail and the brilliant gleam of the gold gilding on these statues showcase the pinnacle of Nepalese artistry. The smooth, flowing lines of the robes, the delicate rendering of the facial features, and the serene expressions all speak of a deep reverence and understanding of Buddhist iconography. The seated posture on ornate lotus pedestals signifies purity, enlightenment, and the unfolding of spiritual awareness. The lotus, a symbol found across many Eastern traditions, rises from muddy waters yet remains pristine, a powerful metaphor for achieving spiritual purity amidst the challenges of worldly existence. The rich gold, a symbol of divinity, purity, and auspiciousness, enhances the sacred aura of these figures, making them truly captivating objects of devotion and contemplation. These statues are more than mere representations; they are conduits of spiritual energy, designed to inspire mindfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of wisdom. Whether placed in a personal meditation space, a Buddhist temple, or as a significant artistic statement in a curated collection, this set of Tsongkhapa statues from Nepal offers a tangible connection to a rich spiritual heritage and a timeless quest for enlightenment. Their presence invites contemplation and evokes the profound wisdom that illuminated the path of one of Buddhism's most influential figures.

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.