Buddhist Handmade Statue of Naropa – Full Gold Plated, Stone Setting, Face Painted
- Item Code: HME25574
- Weight: 2,000 grams
- Size: 24 x 17 x 12 cm
- Material: Copper
- Availability: Available
Naropa: The Mahasiddha of Mahamudra
Naropa was a great scholar and master of Buddhist philosophy who lived in India approximately 900 years ago. A highly learned monk at the renowned Nalanda Monastery, he excelled in Sutras, Tantras, and ancient Buddhist scriptures. However, his journey to true realization began when he encountered an old woman—an emanation of Vajrayogini—who humbled his intellectual pride and directed him to Tilopa, his destined master. Under Tilopa’s guidance, Naropa attained the profound wisdom of Mahamudra, a key teaching in Tibetan Buddhism that leads to enlightenment beyond conceptual thought.
This statue is a tribute to Naropa’s extraordinary journey of wisdom and transformation, making it an ideal piece for practitioners and collectors alike.
Exquisite Stone Setting: A Masterpiece of Artistry
This Naropa statue is adorned with semi-precious stones such as turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli, meticulously placed to enhance its divine presence. These vibrant stones not only add a layer of opulence but also hold deep spiritual significance in Buddhist tradition. The carefully selected stones are securely affixed using a high-quality adhesive, ensuring their longevity while creating a stunning contrast against the golden backdrop.
Each intricately placed gemstone adds to the spiritual aura of the statue, making it a magnificent centerpiece for Buddhist practice and artistic appreciation.
Gold-Painted Face: Sacred Ritual and Symbolism
The face of Naropa is delicately hand-painted with pure gold, a sacred Buddhist tradition. This practice enhances the statue’s expression, particularly in the eyes and lips, which are essential for conveying wisdom, compassion, and spiritual presence.
Gold face painting is a symbolic act in Buddhist rituals, representing the infusion of life and sacred energy into the statue. This meticulous process reflects the devotion and craftsmanship of the artisans, ensuring that each detail is refined to perfection in honor of Naropa’s enlightened essence.
Traditional Lost-Wax Casting: A Time-Honored Craft
This handcrafted statue is created using the ancient lost-wax casting method, a revered metalwork technique that has been practiced for thousands of years. The process involves:
- Wax Model Creation – A detailed wax model is sculpted, capturing every intricate feature of Naropa.
- Mold Formation – The wax model is coated with multiple layers of ceramic to create a durable mold.
- Wax Removal – The mold is heated to melt and drain the wax, leaving a hollow cavity.
- Metal Casting – Molten copper is poured into the cavity, forming a precise metal replica of the original wax sculpture.
- Final Refinement – Once cooled, the ceramic shell is removed, revealing the finely detailed metal statue.
This traditional method ensures that each Naropa statue is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, showcasing the finest craftsmanship and spiritual dedication.
Full Fire Gold Plating: The Authentic Nepalese Technique
This statue is finished with fire gilding, also known as mercury gold plating—a revered Nepalese technique used in traditional Buddhist art. Unlike modern electroplating, fire gilding ensures a richer, more durable, and authentic gold finish.
In Nepal, this method is considered the purest and most traditional form of gold plating. While more expensive, it has seen a resurgence due to its unmatched beauty, longevity, and cultural significance. This Naropa statue is a testament to this time-honored craft, preserving the authenticity and heritage of Buddhist art.
