Nepali Sculpture History and Future
Nepali Sculpture

The traditional lost wax sculpting method first emerged in Nepal during the 10th century ACE. It has since become a refined Continue Reading→

Authentic Buddha Statue for Sale

An authentic Buddha statue made in Nepal is world renown for craftsmanship quality. Each Buddha statue was handmade using the traditional lost wax sculpting method. This technique has been used by the Nepali artisans for many centuries to make real hand carved Buddha statues.

Our selection of Buddha statues comes directly from the traditional artisans working throughout the Kathmandu Valley. As a result, you can find the best authentic Buddha statues available here. Additionally, each statue comes with free express shipping worldwide. 

What Makes A Buddha Statue Authentic?

An authentic Buddha statue is handmade one at a time with real materials by a qualified artisan. Additionally, the statue will be fire gilded with real gold finish. To be clear, authentic statues are not mass produced with reusable moulds and synthetic materials.

First, the sculptor creates a perfect hand carved wax replica of the deity. When the wax replica is finished, the wax is carefully layered with a mixture of special clay minerals.

Afterwards, the clay is allowed to dry which creates a hardened cast around the wax sculpture. The wax is then melted and allowed to drain out through a hole in the bottom of the cast.

After the cast has been completely drained of wax, it is filled with molten copper alloy and allowed to cool for a few days. Afterwards, the cast is carefully cracked and pulled away to reveal an authentic Buddha statue in unfinished form.

Meditating Buddha Statue for Sale
Amitabha Buddha Statue made in Nepal.

Authentic 24K Gold Gilded Finish

After smoothing out any imperfections, the statue is hand polished and the finishing touches are applied. The two primary types of finish are:

  1. 24k Gold Gilding or
  2. Oxidized Copper (antiquated)

The statue can be fully gold gilded or partly gold gilded. Likewise, an antiquated statue can feature a fully antiquated finish and also be partly gold gilded. This combination of antiquated finish with gold gilded trim displays a contrast preferred by some buyers.  

A combination of mercury, 18K gold dust and a torch are used to apply real gold to the copper surface of the statue. The process begins by mixing the gold dust with a solution of mercury. This mixture is then applied evenly to the statue and extreme heat is applied using a torch. The application of extreme heat causes the mercury to evaporate which removes impurities in the gold leaving behind a pure 24K gold finish!

The gold finish will remain tarnish free indefinitely. Additionally, the unmistakable luster of pure gold imbues the statue with life like qualities. The Buddha’s face is then painted with real gold paint. It will inspire all who see it with a sense of genuine peace and tranquility.

Authentic Buddha Statue for Sale, Tibetan Primordial Buddha
Tibetan Primordial Buddha Statue – Vajradhara

Historical Origin of Buddha Statues

The first statues of the Buddha did not include depictions of the body. As a result, the origination of real Buddha statues did not begin simultaneously with the inception of Buddhism in 500 BCE.

Instead, artifacts from that time period depicted the Buddha’s footprint or the Buddha’s horse without a rider. Indeed, the Buddhist concepts of impermanence and no self at first impeded the evolution of Buddhist art. The Heart Sutra explains the concept of emptiness.

Here then,
Form is no other than emptiness,
emptiness no other than form.
Form is only emptiness,
emptiness only form.”
~Heart Sutra~

It took about 300 years before depictions of the Buddha’s body appeared. These first real Buddha statues were made of stone or clay. As a result, they were devoid of the fine details and gold finish we see today.

Furthermore, Buddha statue design was based on the conservative teachings of the historical Buddha Shakyamuni. In contrast, contemporary Buddha statues include creative inspiration derived from Mahayana Buddhism.

The Impact of Mahayana Buddhism on Buddha Statues

After the parinirvana of the historical Buddha, Theravada Buddhism went into decline. Some scholars believed that its conservative nature was not inclusive enough. As a result, they advocated a more inclusive version of Buddhism called Mahayana or “great vehicle”.

The primary difference between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism was that the Buddha taught his followers to believe that Buddhas were humans, not gods.

However, the sacrifice necessary to become a Buddha simply seemed impossible for the vast majority. As a result, the scholars advocating Mahayana Buddhism embellished the Buddha’s teachings. This made Buddhism more appealing to the general population.

Mahayana Buddhism indoctrinated the concept of the Bodhisattva. The purpose of the Bodhisattva is to assist others to attain enlightenment. As a result, Buddhas and high level Bodhisattvas were effectively deified. This would greatly affect the physical attributes of Buddha statues.

Furthermore, Mahayana teachings would eventually give rise to more progressive Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism. As a result, authentic Buddha statues would become much more elaborate.

Female Buddha Statue for sale
Tibetan Buddha Statue, Vajrayogini

Buy Authentic Buddha Statues Online

Your purchase will include a certificate of authentication provided by the Department of Archaeology in Kathmandu, Nepal. As a result, the buyer can be assured they have procured an authentic Buddha statue made in Nepal.

Authentic Nepali statues are highly sought after because they are created using the traditional methods described above. Indeed, the Tibetan monasteries have purchased their statues from Nepal for many centuries.

Our customers can be assured of the same monastic quality sculpture as the Tibetan monasteries. Additionally, our statues include free express shipping worldwide. Your statue will arrive within 5-7 days and there is no need to travel to Nepal. We also offer our customers consecration and filling services in Nepal.