Buddhist Handmade Statue of Citipati – Chocolate and Silver Oxidized Finish
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Item Code: HME26127
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Weight: 2557 grams
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Dimensions (cm): 25 x 18 x 9
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Material: Copper
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Finish: Partly Silver-Plated, Chocolate Oxidized
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Availability: Available
Citipati: Guardians of Impermanence and Awareness
In Tibetan Buddhism, the Citipati—often referred to as the “Lords of the Cemetery”—are symbolic guardians representing the impermanence of life and the liberation from ego and attachment. According to legend, the Citipati were two ascetic practitioners who, while deep in meditation, were beheaded by a thief before even realizing death had come. Instead of fear or suffering, they transcended physical limitations and became eternal dancers in the charnel grounds—symbols of perfect awareness in the face of mortality.
Often depicted as intertwined skeletal figures—male and female—in a dynamic and ecstatic dance, the Citipati serve as wrathful yet compassionate protectors. Their fierce appearance is intended to shatter illusions and guard spiritual practitioners from distraction and spiritual harm. They are celebrated in ritual Cham dances held twice a year in Tibetan monasteries.
Silver and Chocolate Oxidized Finish
This sculpture of the Citipati is adorned with a striking blend of partial silver plating and chocolate-toned oxidation. The brilliant silver highlights select features, lending radiance and visual prominence to key symbolic elements. In contrast, the dark oxidized surfaces offer rich depth and texture, enhancing the statue’s mystique and dramatic impact.
This finishing method not only brings out fine details but also reflects the duality of existence: light and shadow, life and death. The visual tension mirrors the symbolic nature of the Citipati—simultaneously beautiful and fearsome, ethereal and grounded.
Crafted with the Lost-Wax Method
This piece is produced using the ancient lost-wax casting technique—an artisanal process that has been perfected over millennia. Each statue begins as a finely detailed wax model, meticulously crafted by skilled hands. The model is encased in layers of ceramic shell, which is then fired to remove the wax, leaving a hollow mold. Molten copper is poured into the mold, capturing every intricate detail.
Once cooled, the outer shell is broken away to reveal the final sculpture—a durable, precise, and deeply expressive work of spiritual art. The lost-wax method ensures that no two pieces are exactly alike, preserving the individuality and craftsmanship in each creation.
