Buddhist Handmade Statue of Tsongkhapa – Full Fire Gold Plated, Face Painted
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Item Code: HME26130
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Weight: 717 grams
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Dimensions (cm): 19 x 12 x 8
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Material: Copper
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Finish: Full Fire Gold Plated, Gold-Painted Face
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Availability: Available
Tsongkhapa: Master of the Middle Way
Tsongkhapa, meaning “The Man from Onion Valley,” was a highly revered Tibetan Buddhist teacher born in Amdo. His scholarly and spiritual contributions led to the foundation of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, which remains one of the most prominent schools today. He is known by his ordained name Losang Drakpa and affectionately referred to as Je Rinpoche. A son of a Longben tribal leader who once served under the Yuan Dynasty, Tsongkhapa integrated both profound scholarship and deep spiritual practice in his teachings.
His seminal texts—Lamrim Chenmo and Ngakrim Chenmo—articulate the complete path of enlightenment, from foundational practices to the advanced tantric stages, making his legacy foundational for practitioners of sutra and tantra alike.
Gold-Painted Face: Bringing the Statue to Life
This Tsongkhapa statue features a delicately hand-painted face in gold, with particular attention given to the eyes and lips. This sacred practice is central to Buddhist art, symbolizing the infusion of spirit and presence into the statue. Painting the face not only enhances visual detail that metal alone cannot achieve, but also prepares the statue for ritual use and consecration, making it ideal for devotional altars and meditative spaces.
Full Fire Gold Plating (Mercury Gilding)
The statue is adorned using the traditional fire gold plating method, known in Nepal as mercury gilding. This technique involves fusing a layer of genuine gold onto the copper surface using heat. While more labor-intensive and costly than electroplating, it results in a rich, timeless finish revered for its luster, authenticity, and sacred value. The renewed popularity of fire gilding in Nepal reflects a growing appreciation for traditional craftsmanship and enduring beauty.
Crafted with the Lost-Wax Method
This piece is meticulously crafted using the lost-wax casting technique, a centuries-old method that ensures precision, depth, and individuality in each sculpture. Artisans begin with a detailed wax model, which is then encased in layers of ceramic. After the wax is melted out and replaced with molten copper, the mold is broken away to reveal the completed statue. This process captures every fine detail, making each Tsongkhapa statue a true one-of-a-kind work of sacred art.
