Go back
Go back
Amitabha Statue | 13.25”
Amitabha Statue | 13.25”
Amitabha Statue | 13.25”
Amitabha Statue | 13.25”
Amitabha Statue | 13.25”

Amitabha Statue | 13.25”

$1,800.00
Regular price $1,800.00

Crafted in Nepal using the lost-wax method, this copper Buddha Amitabha statue features a painted and part-gilded finish. The body is painted in a vivid red pigment, contrasting with the dark finish of the robes. 24k gold gilding highlights the intricate engravings on the robe borders, the lotus base, and the alms bowl resting in the lap.

“The Sanskrit term sukhāvatī, in Tibetan Dewachen (bde ba can), designates a realm of delight, a place where no suffering is experienced. … The principal buddha of this realm has two names, Amitāyus (Limitless Life) and Amitābha (Limitless Light).

… The Land of Delight is the result of the powerful vows of the Buddha Amitābha, who out of great compassion created a safe environment for fortunate beings to progress toward spiritual maturity. … Fortunate sons and daughters are told to accumulate a significant amount of merit and direct their faith single-mindedly toward the Buddha Amitābha.”

— 84000: Translating the Words of the Buddha, Introduction to The Display of the Pure Land of Sukhāvatī

Details

  • Height: 13.25 in (34 cm)
  • Width: 9.75 in (25 cm)
  • Length/Depth: 5.75 in (15 cm)
  • Base metal: Copper
  • Finish: 24k part-gold antique gilding with painted finish
  • Origin: Nepal
  • Artist: Saroj Shakya
Just a few left. Order soon.


Orders Shipped in 1-5 days
Returns within 30 days
Orders Shipped in 1-5 days
Returns within 30 days

SKU
#T18412

Statue Making:
The Lost-Wax Method

Statues are made through a long-established process that involves many artists and craftspeople. Each stage of the work is handled by someone trained specifically in that part of the process. From the first wax model to the final finishing steps, the method brings together several families of craftsmen who take part in creating each statue.

Creation of the Form

The process begins with a wax figure shaped by hand using traditional tools. This initial wax model, formed according to the artist’s vision, is known as the Masterpiece Statue.

Moulding

This stage, known as thasa kagu, involves creating molds from the wax original. Rubber or wax is used to capture the shape of the Masterpiece Statue, allowing many identical wax figures to be produced from the same design.

Casting

In this stage, called dhale yaigu, the replicated wax figures are coated with layers of sand mixed with cow dung. After heating the mold, the wax melts out through an opening. Molten copper is then poured in, filling the space left by the wax. Once cooled, the mold is broken to reveal the raw metal figure.

Carving and Engraving

Known as katan kigu, this stage begins once the raw metal figure is removed from the mold and cleaned. Craftsmen use traditional tools to carve and engrave the statue, adding the detailed lines and patterns. A part of this work, called buttakigu, involves creating the designs on the robes.

Buffing

After the carving and engraving are complete, the statue is polished. This buffing stage smooths the surface and prepares it for gilding or oxidizing.

Gilding and Oxidizing

After buffing, the statue is plated in gold or silver, or finished with oxidation. Fire-mercury gilding is used to apply the 24k gold or silver coating.

Face Painting

Called khwa chwe-gu, this stage completes the statue. The face is painted using melted gold, with poster colors used to define the eyes and lips.

Adding Turquoise Stones

In this final stage, called fwo thu-nui, turquoise stones are set into the statue’s jewelry. After this, the statue is complete and ready to be blessed before being placed on a practitioner’s shrine.

Creation of the Form

The process begins with a wax figure shaped by hand using traditional tools. This initial wax model, formed according to the artist’s vision, is known as the Masterpiece Statue.

Moulding

This stage, known as thasa kagu, involves creating molds from the wax original. Rubber or wax is used to capture the shape of the Masterpiece Statue, allowing many identical wax figures to be produced from the same design.

Casting

In this stage, called dhale yaigu, the replicated wax figures are coated with layers of sand mixed with cow dung. After heating the mold, the wax melts out through an opening. Molten copper is then poured in, filling the space left by the wax. Once cooled, the mold is broken to reveal the raw metal figure.

Carving and Engraving

Known as katan kigu, this stage begins once the raw metal figure is removed from the mold and cleaned. Craftsmen use traditional tools to carve and engrave the statue, adding the detailed lines and patterns. A part of this work, called buttakigu, involves creating the designs on the robes.

Buffing

After the carving and engraving are complete, the statue is polished. This buffing stage smooths the surface and prepares it for gilding or oxidizing.

Gilding and Oxidizing

After buffing, the statue is plated in gold or silver, or finished with oxidation. Fire-mercury gilding is used to apply the 24k gold or silver coating.

Face Painting

Called khwa chwe-gu, this stage completes the statue. The face is painted using melted gold, with poster colors used to define the eyes and lips.

Adding Turquoise Stones

In this final stage, called fwo thu-nui, turquoise stones are set into the statue’s jewelry. After this, the statue is complete and ready to be blessed before being placed on a practitioner’s shrine.

Watch the Process

This video from the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art offers a clear and beautiful look at traditional lost-wax casting, providing a helpful sense of how these statues come to life.

You may also like