Beautifully gilded 24 carat gold Buddha statue Shaka Nyorai 22.5 cm

gold-plated 24 carat gold, zinc / aluminum
height: 22.5 cm
Takaoka Copperware, made in Takaoka, Japan

Shaka Nyorai (釈 迦 如 来, or Shakyamuni Tathāgata) is the Japanese name for the historical Buddha.

The city of Takaoka is located on the Japanese coast, in Toyama prefecture. 400 years ago they started manufacturing products based on copper here. In the middle of the Edo period (1603-1868) the casting of Buddhist altarpieces became increasingly popular and the method has been passed on from master to apprentice over the centuries.

Process:

1. Making a prototype: A prototype is made of clay and then a mold is made of plaster.

2, Casting: Molten metal is poured into the mold. When the metal has hardened, the mold is released.

3. Finishing and polishing: With a copper file and chisel, the part is manually finished and polished to match the original as much as possible.

4. Colors: some products are still being colored. Traditional techniques such as Ohaguro (blackening teeth), Ibushi (smoke) and Seido-iro (bronze) are commonly used techniques. Other products are plated with 24 carat gold.