This magnificent 12-inch Gold Gilded Amitayus Sculpture presents Aparmita, the “Boundless One,” in an especially expressive combination of radiant 24K gold and warm antiquated copper. Handmade in Patan, Nepal, from copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax casting method, the sculpture is selectively fire gilded rather than uniformly covered in gold. The luminous face, crown, jewelry, hands, sacred vessel and ornamental borders emerge dramatically against the reddish-brown sleeves, lower garments and lotus throne. This deliberate two-tone treatment gives the sculpture an aged Himalayan character while preserving the brilliance associated with Amitayus, the Buddha of Infinite Life.
Iconography of the Gold Gilded Amitayus Sculpture
Amitayus, known in Tibetan as Tsepame, is the sambhogakaya or celestial manifestation associated with Amitabha Buddha and the qualities of immeasurable life, merit and wisdom. He sits serenely in full lotus posture with both hands resting in Dhyana Mudra, the gesture of meditative equipoise. Supported upon his upturned palms is his defining attribute: the sacred longevity vase containing amrita, the nectar of immortality. Its elaborate lid rises prominently at the center of the composition. Explore the symbolism of the traditional iconography of Amitayus and the meaning of his longevity vessel in our illustrated guide.
Although Amitayus is a fully enlightened Buddha, his celestial form is adorned with the ornaments of a Bodhisattva. An elaborate five-point crown surrounds his blue-black hair and gathered topknot, while large ornamental earrings frame the face. Layered necklaces, bracelets and decorative garment borders enrich the figure without obscuring its balanced proportions. Long celestial scarves descend from the shoulders, loop gracefully around the elbows and terminate in scrolling forms beside his knees. His peaceful face is hand painted with 18K gold and natural pigments, with carefully delineated eyes, dark brows, red lips and the urna centered between the brows.
Antiquated Copper and 24K Gold Craftsmanship
The selective gilding is particularly effective on this sculpture. Rich gold highlights Amitayus’s sacred attributes and jewelry, while antiquated reddish-brown copper remains visible across broad areas of his robes and the sculpted lotus pedestal. Gold borders trace the folds and ornamental patterns of the garments, producing an intricate transition between the two finishes. The broad single lotus throne provides a substantial foundation appropriate to the sculpture’s approximately 6000-gram weight. Turquoise and red coral gemstones may also be embedded into the crown and jewelry by our artisans upon request, adding traditional Himalayan color to the existing gold and copper palette.
Gold Gilded Amitayus Statue, White Tara and Green Tara Altar Grouping
This Amitayus creates an especially meaningful altar grouping with our eight-inch White Tara sculpture and 12-inch Green Tara sculpture. The three should not be described as a traditional trinity, but their symbolism is highly complementary. Amitayus represents immeasurable life and merit; White Tara is associated with healing, longevity and serene compassion; and Green Tara embodies swift compassionate activity and protection from fears and obstacles.
For a balanced shrine, Amitayus can occupy the central and slightly elevated position, with White Tara and Green Tara arranged to either side. White Tara already shares a traditional longevity relationship with Amitayus: together with Namgyalma, or Ushnishavijaya, they constitute the Three Long-Life Deities of Tibetan Buddhism. Adding Green Tara expands the ensemble with her distinctive symbolism of immediate compassionate action.
Create a Four-Statue Long-Life Altar
Our 9.25-inch gold gilded Namgyalma sculpture can be added to complete the traditional Amitayus, White Tara and Ushnishavijaya Long-Life Deities while retaining Green Tara as a complementary fourth figure. This creates an unusually rich altar centered upon longevity, healing, compassionate protection and Dharma practice. The related gilded finishes also allow the four sculptures to form a visually coherent collection while preserving the distinctive iconography of each deity.
Custom-Made Gild Gilded Amitayus and Long-Life Deity Statues
For collectors, practitioners, monasteries and Dharma centers seeking a precisely coordinated shrine, we can arrange custom-made Tibetan Buddhist statues handcrafted in Nepal. Amitayus, White Tara and Namgyalma can be commissioned together as a traditional Three Long-Life Deities set, with Green Tara added as a complementary fourth sculpture. Dimensions, lotus thrones, 24K gold gilding, antiquated finishes and ornamental details can be coordinated during production, while turquoise and red coral embellishments can be incorporated where appropriate. Commissioning the figures as an ensemble allows our artisans to create visual continuity while faithfully preserving each deity’s individual iconography and sacred attributes.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue is handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using traditional lost wax casting and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by Nepal’s Department of Archaeology, verifying its materials, technique, and origin.
