This beautiful 9-inch Tsepame Statue presents Amitayus Buddha, also known as Aparmita and Tsepame, in the richly ornamented form associated with the Buddha of Infinite Life. Handmade in Nepal from copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax casting method, the sculpture is finished in luminous 24K gold. Its compact proportions are complemented by unusually detailed craftsmanship, including extensively engraved garments, an elaborate crown and jewelry, flowing celestial scarves and a carefully sculpted lotus throne. The combination of fine engraving and warm gold creates an impressive devotional image suitable for a personal Buddhist altar, meditation space or collection of traditional Himalayan art.
Tsepame Statue Iconography and Longevity Vase
The defining attribute of this statue is the longevity vase resting above Amitayus’s upturned palms. His hands are joined in Dhyana Mudra, the gesture of meditation, while the vessel contains amrita, the nectar associated with deathlessness and longevity. Its elaborate lid rises prominently from the center of the composition. This iconography distinguishes Amitayus from Amitabha Buddha and expresses his particular association with long life, vitality, merit and the preservation of the opportunity to practice Dharma. Learn more about the meaning of these attributes in our guide to Amitayus iconography.
Tsepame is seated in full lotus posture with both feet turned upward. Above his serene face is an elaborate five-pointed crown framing blue-black hair gathered into a high topknot and finished with a gold ornament. Large pendant earrings, layered necklaces, armbands and bracelets reinforce his regal sambhogakaya appearance. Long celestial scarves pass around his arms before opening into dramatic scrolling forms on either side of the body, giving the otherwise meditative composition a graceful sense of movement.
Tsepame Statue Engraving and Nepali Craftsmanship
The extensive engraving is one of this sculpture’s most impressive characteristics. Fine scrolling designs cover the dhoti and continue across the legs, creating richly patterned surfaces beneath the smooth gold finish. The shoulder wrap and ornamental borders are similarly detailed. Importantly, this workmanship is not limited to the front. The rear view reveals additional engraved decoration across the garment, including a prominent central floral motif, finely worked surrounding patterns and ornamental detailing extending around the back of the lotus throne.
The statue was handmade using the lost-wax method, allowing the sculptor to preserve the small details of the jewelry, garment borders, facial features and lotus petals. At the buyer’s request, turquoise and red coral gemstones can also be embedded into the crown and jewelry, providing traditional colored accents against the gold surface.
Amitayus as the Buddha of Infinite Life
Amitayus means “Infinite Life,” while Tsepame is his Tibetan name. Closely associated with Amitabha Buddha, Amitayus represents the longevity aspect of enlightened activity and occupies an important place in Tibetan long-life practices. Longevity in this context is valued not simply for extending worldly existence, but because a precious human life provides the opportunity to practice the Dharma, cultivate wisdom and compassion, accumulate merit and benefit other beings. Our guide to Amitayus and Tibetan longevity practice explores this tradition in greater depth.
Tsepame Statue with Green Tara and White Tara
This Tsepame can also form the central figure of a harmonious three-statue altar with the complementary Green Tara sculpture and White Tara sculpture. Amitayus represents infinite life and merit, White Tara is strongly associated with longevity, healing and compassionate serenity, while Green Tara embodies swift compassionate activity and protection from obstacles and fears.
For a balanced arrangement, Amitayus may be positioned in the center with Green Tara and White Tara to either side. Slightly elevating the central Tsepame creates a natural hierarchy while allowing the three figures to function visually as a coordinated altar group. Their complementary symbolism brings together longevity, healing and active compassion within a single devotional arrangement.
Custom Handmade Buddhist Statues from Nepal
For collectors, practitioners and Dharma centers seeking particular dimensions or a coordinated altar arrangement, we can also arrange custom handmade Tibetan Buddhist statues created by skilled Nepali artisans. A custom commission can accommodate preferred dimensions, traditional finishes and selected artistic details while preserving the proper iconography of the deity. This is especially useful when commissioning Amitayus together with Green Tara, White Tara or other complementary figures, allowing the scale, sculpting style and overall visual character of the statues to be coordinated for a unified Buddhist altar.
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.
