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Vajrapani Copper Statue with Gold Plated from Nepal | Tibetan Buddhist Deity Idol

$2625
$3500
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Holding the Vajra- a symbol of enlightenment and noose- symbolic of wisdom’s restraint over the mind, Vajrapani, the Buddhist equivalent of Indra is presented in this gilded copper Nepalese statue in a dynamic posture. The flaming aureole around Vajrapani has been delineated with immense beauty, colored in brilliant red and orange to capture the light of wisdom it represents. Vajrapani is adorned with his characteristic skull crown, enlivened countenance, gaping mouth, sharp nails, and scarf majestically flying around his plump body. 

Specifications
MIS646
Copper with Gold Plated
Height: 20 inch
Width: 16 inch
Depth: 6.5 inch
Weight 7.90 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
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 Wrathful Protector: A Golden Embodiment of Power

This magnificent statue captures the awe-inspiring presence of Vajrapani, a powerful Bodhisattva in Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted from copper and adorned with lustrous gold plating, this deity idol is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Nepal. Vajrapani, whose name translates to "Vajra in Hand," is often depicted as a wrathful deity, symbolizing the immovability and indestructible nature of enlightenment. He is one of the primary emanations of the Buddha's power and is invoked to overcome obstacles, conquer negative forces, and protect practitioners on their spiritual path.

Mythological Significance and Iconography

In Buddhist mythology, Vajrapani is believed to have been instrumental in the dissemination of the Dharma. It is said that he once transformed into a great bird to bring the teachings of the Buddha back to earth. His fierce appearance, with wide eyes, bared fangs, and a powerful stance, is not a depiction of anger but rather of the unwavering resolve needed to confront and vanquish the afflictions of the mind, such as ignorance, desire, and hatred. He often holds a vajra (thunderbolt scepter) in his right hand, representing the unshakeable truth of the Dharma, and a lasso in his left, symbolizing his ability to bind and subdue negative forces. The fiery halo behind him represents his all-consuming wisdom that burns away impurities and illusions. The intricate details of this statue, from the divine ornaments to the dynamic posture, convey the immense energy and protective force that Vajrapani embodies.

Artistic Excellence from Nepal

This statue is a masterpiece of Nepalese craftsmanship. The skilled artisans have meticulously shaped the copper, imbuing it with a sense of dynamism and spiritual potency. The subsequent gold plating bestows a divine radiance, elevating the deity's presence and making this piece a truly sacred artifact. The robust base, intricately carved with traditional motifs, provides a stable foundation for the powerful form of Vajrapani, further emphasizing his grounding and unwavering nature. This sculpture is not merely an object of art but a conduit for spiritual connection, designed to inspire devotion and provide a focal point for meditation and contemplation. Its substantial size and commanding presence make it a powerful addition to any altar, meditation space, or collection of religious art.

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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