Vajrasattva Statue | Buddhist Handmade | Gold Plated with Painted Face
Item Code: HME30784
Weight: 1858 grams
Size (cm): 24 x 19 x 9
Material: Copper
Availability: Available
About Vajrasattva
Vajrasattva is a deeply venerated figure in Vajrayana Buddhism, regarded by the Nepalese Bajracharyas as the Adi-Buddha—the primordial Buddha—according to the Vajrasattva Kaya texts.
He is depicted in a serene and radiant white form, seated in vajraparyanka posture, adorned with precious silks, ornaments, and a jeweled crown. He holds a five-pronged golden vajra at his heart with his right hand, symbolizing indestructible compassion, and a silver bell in his left hand, resting near his hip, representing wisdom. His luminous body displays the major and minor marks of a Sambhogakaya, emanating clear, boundless light—like a moon’s reflection in water, untouched by any concept of solidity.
In esoteric teachings, Vajrasattva is also visualized in Yab-Yum (father-mother) form, representing the union of method and wisdom. This form is only revealed to advanced initiates within Highest Yoga Tantra, preserving its sacredness and spiritual depth.
Gold Painted Face
The face of Vajrasattva is intricately hand-painted with pure gold to highlight his most expressive features—eyes and lips. These refined details cannot be fully captured through carving alone and are essential for manifesting the statue’s compassionate and awakened presence.
In Buddhist tradition, gold face painting is a consecratory ritual that breathes spiritual life into the statue. It symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and the sacred intention to bring the figure into full devotional and meditative use. This step reflects the artisan’s spiritual devotion and the importance of Vajrasattva as a support for visualization and practice.
Traditional Full Fire Gold Plating
This statue features traditional fire gold plating, also known as mercury gilding, a revered technique in Nepalese metal art.
Unlike modern electroplating, this method involves bonding real gold to the surface of the statue through a fire-based process. Though more time-consuming and costly, fire gilding produces a richer, more luminous finish and greater durability. Its recent resurgence reflects a growing appreciation for authentic Nepali craftsmanship and the timeless quality it brings to sacred art.
Lost-Wax Casting Process
The statue is handcrafted using the lost-wax casting method, a centuries-old technique central to Himalayan sculpture traditions.
A wax model is sculpted by hand, capturing every minute detail.
This model is coated in ceramic layers to form a hardened shell.
The wax is melted and drained out, leaving a mold cavity.
Molten copper is poured in to cast the form.
Once cooled, the ceramic shell is removed, revealing the final statue.
This method ensures fine detail, balance, and individuality in each piece. Every Vajrasattva statue made this way is unique and spiritually imbued, reflecting both mastery and sacred intent.
