Hand Carved 9" Virupa Antiquated Gold Gilded Copper Statue from Patan, Nepal

Description

9" Virupa  Statue
Antiquated Fully Gold Gilded
Mahasiddha Virupa
Virupa was a ninth century follower of the teachings of the Dakini Vajravarahi. Virupa resided in the eastern Indian monastery of Somapuri for twenty – four years before being ejected for eating the monastery's pigeons. Virupa proceeded to wander the land, performing miracles and receiving sustenance where and when it was to be found. Virupa was angered by the river goddess, Ganga Devi, when she refused him food and drink and he parted her waters and crossed to the other side, entering the town of Kanasata. The yogin found a tavern and was given food and wine by the barmaid; Virupa enjoyed it enourmously and demanded more. When the barmaid asked for payment, Virupa pledged her sun by arresting its motion and continued drinking for days, consuming five hundred elephant loads of spirits. The country was thrown into confusion by the effects of these endless days and the King of Kanasata had no solution to offer. Eventually, he was visited in a dream by the Sun Goddess herself; she informed him that she was bound in her position as the result of a debt to a barmaid. The King paid the bill, Virupa disappeared, and the sun continued its course.
Gestures and Attributes
Virupa is depicted in his popular posture with his right hand and his gaze are directed towards the sun. The lotus base, with its high rim below the row of well – rounded pearls and the double row of elongated lotus petals, it's typical of fifteenth – century Tibetan works. It is similar to those of the Yongle period, although in this work, the stamens of the lotus flower are delineated above the upper row of petals, a common feature in the Nepalese tradition. Moreover, the technique in which the garland of flowers is separately cast and applied is typical of Nepalese craftsmanship, as seen in a later image of Nairatma in this collection. In Tibet, Virupa is particularly important to the Sakya order, which traditionally offered partronage to Newari artisans.
About this Sculpture
Expertly cast from copper alloy and fully gilded with 24 karat gold in antique finish, this sculpture is a profoundly moving representation of Virupa. This sculpture was individually handcrafted in Patan, Nepal by master artisans of the Shakya clan who are considered among the best in the world. These craftsmen are the modern heirs to a centuries-old tradition of creating sacred art for use in temples and monasteries. The fine metalworking techniques have been passed down from generation to generation since ancient times.
Purchase Details
Name
Virupa Statue - Antiquated Fully Gold Gilded
Height
9"
Width
8.5"
Depth
7"
Material
Lost Wax Method,  Copper Alloy with 24 Karat Gold Gilding
Shipping Weight
4.5 kg / 9.9 lbs. (approximate)
Ships From
Patan, Nepal