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Sakya Five Founding Masters – 15cm Gilt Copper Statue 5-in-1 Set

$2,284.00 USD $2,917.00 USD Save $633.00 USD
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Product Description:
This full set of five 15cm statues represents the Five Founding Masters of the Sakya tradition—Khön Könchok Gyalpo, Sakya Pandita, Drogön Chögyal Phagpa, Sonam Tsemo, and Jetsun Drakpa Gyaltsen. These revered masters embody the intellectual, spiritual, and historical legacy of the Sakya lineage, making this an exceptional collection for both devotional practice and lineage preservation.

Each statue is created through semi-handmade techniques, restoring the classical Himalayan approach from clay modeling to final gilding. These sacred forms are crafted with intention, artistry, and respect for the ancient aesthetic codes of Tibetan Buddhist sculpture.


Material & Craftsmanship:
All five statues are cast from a fusion of vintage and refined copper, honoring the balance between durability and tradition. Their surfaces are adorned with the revered “Seven-Spit Seven-Swallow” fire-gilding technique, involving layered gold application and polishing to create a deep, lustrous finish.

  • Material: High-quality copper alloy (mixed old and new)

  • Gilding: Fire-applied gold leaf, burnished by hand

  • Facial Features: Each face is hand-painted to highlight individual character and wisdom

  • Craft Method: Partially hand-finished, preserving subtle uniqueness across the set


Design & Symbolism:
Each of the Five Founders is depicted with iconographic precision, representing their unique contributions to the Sakya lineage:

  • Khön Könchok Gyalpo – The founder, seated with grounded nobility, representing the birth of the Sakya school.

  • Sonam Tsemo – The youthful master of sutra and tantra, emanating clarity and knowledge.

  • Jetsun Drakpa Gyaltsen – With scholarly presence, embodying disciplined monastic practice.

  • Sakya Pandita – Often depicted with a scripture and sword, symbolizing unmatched logic and wisdom.

  • Chögyal Phagpa – The spiritual sovereign, bridging Buddhist doctrine and political unification, often shown in royal attire.

Together, these statues form a cohesive mandala of spiritual insight, intellectual brilliance, and historical importance.


Color & Finish:

  • Brilliant fire-gilded surface over warm copper tones

  • Hand-painted facial details, each distinct and lifelike

  • Gold-accented robes and ornaments enhance the statues’ regal aura

  • Unified in proportion and harmony, yet rich in individual symbolism

As semi-handmade creations, slight variations in finish and expression highlight the artisan’s touch, ensuring each piece carries a soul of its own.


Care Notes:

  • Display in a dedicated space such as a home shrine or temple altar

  • Keep away from direct sunlight or humidity

  • Clean using a soft, dry cloth, especially around gilded areas

  • Handle with care and clean hands or gloves

  • For long-term preservation, consider occasional light oiling of the copper base


This Sakya Five Founders Set is more than a collection of sacred figures—it is a visual lineage, a portable shrine of the Sakya school, and a timeless tribute to the minds and hearts that shaped one of Tibetan Buddhism’s most profound traditions.

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For custom sizing or bespoke design requests, please contact us directly:

WeChat: potalacrafts
Email: potalacraft@gmail.com
Sakya Five Founding Masters – 15cm Gilt Copper Statue 5-in-1 Set Sakya Five Founding Masters – 15cm Gilt Copper Statue 5-in-1 Set Sakya Five Founding Masters – 15cm Gilt Copper Statue 5-in-1 Set Sakya Five Founding Masters – 15cm Gilt Copper Statue 5-in-1 Set Sakya Five Founding Masters – 15cm Gilt Copper Statue 5-in-1 Set Sakya Five Founding Masters – 15cm Gilt Copper Statue 5-in-1 Set

The process of making a Buddha statue

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FAQ
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1. ​​What is "Limā Copper" and why is it used for Buddha statues?​​

Limā Copper is a sacred Tibetan alloy containing copper, gold, silver, zinc, and other metals. Historically used for Buddhist ritual objects, it offers superior hardness, oxidation resistance, and symbolic significance. Our statues blend ​​30% antique copper​​ (recycled from old ritual items) with ​​70% new copper​​ to balance historical authenticity with structural integrity. This fusion creates a unique patina that deepens over time, embodying the Tibetan belief that "multiple metals invite multiple blessings".

2. ​​How do "semi-handmade" and "fully handmade" processes differ?​​

Fully Handmade​​: Follows the ancient lost-wax method:
Master sculptors carve original wax models with sacred geometry rules (Iconometric Sutras).
Copper pieces are individually cast, welded, and hand-chiseled (e.g., facial features require 540,000 hammer strikes).
No molds reused; each statue is unique.
​​Semi-Handmade​​:
Uses silicone molds from original wax models for batch production.
Final polishing and detailing done manually to preserve artistic vitality.
Note: Fully handmade statues cost 3-10x more due to 6-12 months of labor.

3. ​​What makes your gilding technique "Seven Dipping-Seven Burnishing"?​​

This Ming Dynasty mercury-gilding method involves:

Applying ​​24K gold-mercury paste​​ layer by layer.
Baking at 400°C to evaporate mercury (leaving pure gold).
Burnishing with agate stones after each layer.
Seven cycles achieve a ​​0.2mm gold layer​​ – 3x thicker than standard gilding – ensuring centuries of luster without peeling. Caution: Modern electroplating cannot replicate this depth.

4. ​​Why blend old and new copper?​​
  • ​​Old Copper​​: Sourced from dismantled temple artifacts, carries ritual energy and natural oxidation for antique texture.
    ​​New Copper​​: Enhances structural stability, preventing cracks in intricate designs (e.g., deity crowns or lotus thrones).
    This fusion is validated by The Merit Sutra of Image-Making, which extols mixed-metal statues as "merit multipliers".

5. ​​How long does a statue take to complete?​​

Small statues (20cm): 1-3 months (e.g., White Tara with 180 chiseled floral motifs).
Large statues (1m+): 3-5 months (requires 3+ artisans for wax modeling, casting, and assembly).
​​Semi-Handmade​​: 1-2 months using master-approved molds.
All statues undergo final ​​"Eye-Opening" rituals​​ by lamas to consecrate spiritual presence.