The Two Disciples of Buddha Copper Statues

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The Two Disciples of Buddha Copper Statues

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Maudgalyayana and Śāriputra share a profound and enduring spiritual friendship that is emblematic in Buddhist lore. Depicted as the esteemed companions who walk alongside the Buddha, they exemplify a harmonious partnership in the pursuit of enlightenment. Their intertwined roles as teachers complement each other beautifully. Maudgalyayana is celebrated for his mastery of psychic powers, an attribute that is often vividly portrayed as an integral part of his teaching methodology. His demonstrations of these extraordinary abilities serve to illuminate profound spiritual truths and captivate the minds of his listeners.

Conversely, Śāriputra's forte lies in wisdom, earning him a distinctive place in the spiritual landscape. His depth of insight and intellectual acumen make him a beacon of understanding and discernment. Together, they represent a harmonious blend of supernatural prowess and sagacious intellect, embodying the multifaceted nature of the path to enlightenment in Buddhism.

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Specifications

	CAA130
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 9.5 inch
	Width: 4 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 2.21 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.

The Twin Pillars of Enlightenment: An Ode to Buddha's Disciples

Within the hallowed annals of Buddhism, the figures of the Buddha's chief disciples stand as luminous beacons, embodying profound devotion and the tireless pursuit of enlightenment. This exquisite copper statue set, intricately gilded with pure gold, captures the essence of these two monumental figures, Sariputra and Maudgalyayana, the Buddha's most gifted disciples, whose wisdom and miraculous abilities served to illuminate the path for countless beings. Crafted in the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, these statues are not merely objects of beauty but potent reminders of the spiritual lineage and the enduring power of the Dharma. Their story is interwoven with the very fabric of Buddhist teachings. Sariputra, often hailed as the "General of the Dharma," was renowned for his analytical acumen and his mastery of the doctrine. He was the first to attain Arhatship after listening to the Buddha's discourse on the "Great Discourse on the Skill in Means." Maudgalyayana, on the other hand, was celebrated for his supernatural powers, capable of traversing realms and aiding sentient beings through his psychic abilities. Together, they formed an inseparable pair, complementary in their strengths and united in their dedication to the Sangha and the teachings of the Awakened One. Their presence beside the Buddha in countless depictions symbolizes the collective effort and diverse gifts that contribute to the realization of awakening. ––––––––––

A Testament to Craftsmanship and Devotion

These statues are a masterful display of traditional Nepalese artistry. The use of copper as a base material lends a substantial weight and durability, while the liberal application of gold leaf imparts a breathtaking radiance and an aura of sacredness. The rich patina of the gold, achieved through meticulous gilding techniques, catches the light, creating a sense of ethereal luminosity. Every detail, from the serene yet expressive faces with their gently parted lips and piercing eyes, to the graceful folds of their monastic robes, speaks of the artisan's deep reverence and skilled hand. The delicate rendering of the urna, the symbolic third eye, on their foreheads and the elongated earlobes are all characteristic of the iconography of enlightened beings. Each figure is poised upon an ornate, lotus-shaped pedestal, a common symbol in Buddhist art representing purity and spiritual unfolding, further enhancing the divine presence of the statues. The intricate patterns adorning the robes and pedestals showcase the meticulous attention to detail that is the hallmark of Nepalese metalwork, inviting contemplation and a sense of wonder. ––––––––––

Embodying Spiritual Excellence

To behold these statues is to connect with a lineage of spiritual heroes. They serve as powerful aids for meditation and contemplation, inspiring practitioners to cultivate wisdom and compassion. The posture of each disciple, with one holding a bowl symbolizing the monastic discipline of alms begging, and the other in a gesture of teaching or benediction, invites us to reflect on the core principles of Buddhist practice. The set embodies the harmonious integration of intellectual understanding and spiritual realization, a testament to the comprehensive nature of the Buddha's teachings. These magnificent copper and gold statues are more than just decorative pieces; they are conduits to a profound spiritual heritage, offering a tangible connection to the enlightened path and the exemplary lives of the Buddha's most devoted followers. They are destined to be cherished heirlooms, inspiring awe and devotion for generations to come.

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.