The Buddha Dipankara

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$216

$288

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Specifications

	ZN06
	Gilded Copper with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 4 inch
	Depth: 2.4 inch
	Weight 900 gm

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Glimpse into the Distant Past

This exquisite statue invites you to connect with a profound figure in Buddhist tradition. Crafted from gilded copper and resplendent with 24-karat gold, it embodies the serene presence and enlightened wisdom attributed to a Buddha from a bygone era. The statue's creation involved meticulous artistry and adherence to established iconographic conventions, resulting in a portrayal that resonates with both spiritual significance and artistic merit. Its dimensions of 9.0 x 4.0 x 2.4 inches make it a perfect centerpiece for meditation spaces, personal altars, or as a cherished addition to any collection of sacred art. The gleaming gold surface catches and reflects light, bringing a sense of warmth and tranquility to its surroundings.

The Story of Light-Maker

Legends tell of a time immeasurably distant, when Dipankara walked the Earth, countless eons before Siddhartha Gautama attained enlightenment. He is said to be the first of the Buddhas to prophesy the future Buddhahood of Gautama. The story unfolds with Sumedha, a wealthy Brahmin, laying prostrate in the muddy road before Dipankara, offering his own body as a bridge for the Buddha and his followers to cross. Witnessing this act of extraordinary selflessness and devotion, Dipankara foretold that Sumedha would one day become the Buddha Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha of our age. This prophecy underscores the concept of karma and the interconnectedness of all beings across vast stretches of time. The gesture of offering oneself symbolizes the ultimate sacrifice and the potential for enlightenment residing within each individual. Dipankara is often invoked as a symbol of hope, illuminating the path towards Buddhahood for all beings.

Iconography and Symbolism

The statue's features hold deep symbolic meaning within the Buddhist tradition. The posture of the hands, known as a mudra, is significant. The right hand is typically depicted in the Abhaya mudra, the gesture of reassurance and protection, while the left hand is often depicted holding a part of his robe, suggesting his calm and benevolent nature. The regal crown adorning the head is a symbol of the Buddha's transcendent wisdom and spiritual sovereignty. The meticulous detail in the clothing's design, from the folds of the robe to the intricate patterns, represents the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha. The base with many circular patterns, it is suggestive of the lotus from which all the Buddhas arise. Each element contributes to a rich visual language that speaks to the deeper spiritual truths embodied by Dipankara. Displaying this statue is a way to connect with these symbols, fostering contemplation and inspiring one's own spiritual journey.

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.