This stunning sculpture is primarily made of a copper alloy (typically bronze or brass) that has been finished using the traditional technique of mercury gilding (fire-gilding). In this process, a mixture of pure gold and mercury is applied to the metal base and heated, vaporizing the mercury to leave behind a brilliant, durable layer of 24K gold. The intricate, flame-patterned backrest (mandorla) and the double-lotus pedestal are crafted with incredible precision, likely using the ancient lost-wax casting method paired with hand-hammered repoussé work.
To bring the deity to life, the face is treated with a traditional matte finish known as “cold gold” (a paste of fine gold powder and a natural binder), which contrasts beautifully with the polished, shiny texture of the body. The serene facial features—including the eyes and lips—are meticulously detailed with mineral pigments, while the hair is painted with a deep black pigment. This combination of rich metallic casting and delicate hand-painted artistry is highly characteristic of master Newar and Tibetan Buddhist craftsmanship.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.