Statue Painting

8 June 2009 - 3:21am 12 Comments

If one looks at the Sugata’s form depicted on a wall
Even while in an angry frame of mind,
One will eventually come to see ten million Buddhas

White Lotus Sutra


Kechara Saraswati Arts (KSA) offers a comprehensive statue and tsa tsa painting service. We are able to paint both the face and body, using traditional Tibetan techniques and materials.

KSA can transform a ‘bare’ or ‘raw’ object of art into a living masterpiece through a variety of painting techniques. There are several ‘finishes’ to choose from. Be it an ‘antique’ look, a fully-painted colourful finish or a simple ‘gold dusted look’, your imagination and heart’s wishes are fulfilled through KSA’s mastery and artistry in action.

Our team have learnt the techniques of traditional statue painting from the finest artists of India, Tibet and Nepal. Through months of intense training and practice, our talented artists have mastered the art of painting both peaceful and wrathful features.

Finely drawn features are painted onto Lama Tsongkhapa's face


The Process

Many people are not aware that statue painting is a long and complex process which demands great patience and skill.

First, the statues are thoroughly cleaned with water and lemon to ensure that all traces of dirt and grease are removed.

Step 1: Cleaning the statues

Next, multiple layers of the base coat is applied. Each layer must be painted slowly and evenly, one stroke at a time. A smooth and even base coat is compulsory, especially on the statue’s face and neck because real gold will be applied onto these areas. An uneven base coat will create ‘wrinkles’ on the Buddhas’ faces and that would be most unbecoming.

Step 2: Applying the base coat

The next step is the painting of the Buddha’s body. And this is entirely dependent on the individual customer’s requirements and taste. We offer a variety of colour options – the most popular are gold, antique gold or the full coloured version such as the fiery red Vajrayogini.

Step 3: Applying the desired finishing

The last to be painted is the statue’s face. At KSA, statue face painting is the most important component of the entire painting process. Therefore, we only employ traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation.

  • Real gold is first melted, then combined with water and glue in precise amounts, and finally applied on the Buddhas’ faces. The facial features are then delicately painted with fine brushes. This is the most difficult part, and it requires months of practice with patience, continued effort and loving care to create an object that is both exquisite and sacred to behold.

This is the extent of KSA’s dedication in bringing the mastery and craft of the Himalayas to the world.

Step 4: Painting the gold face and facial features


What is the benefit of painting Buddha images?


Painting Buddha images with the correct motivation purifies negative karma associated with the body, removes obstacles in one’s path and generates long life and good health. Buddha statues are the physical representation of the enlightened beings whose qualities include love, wisdom and compassion. These beings have practiced the Dharma and held their vows for three eons. With every prayer, prostration and offering made to these images, oceans of merit will be accumulated by those who were involved in the creation or painting of these images.

Purify negative body karma through painting

 
 

12 Responses to Statue Painting

  1. Lincoln Lau

    Hello i am interested to find out the cost of repainting an 8 inch tara statue? I recently bought one piece from the internet but it was not properly done and quite rough except that the face is in a good condition. Thank you

    August 12, 2010 at 2:51 pm
    • beng

      Hi Lincoln,

      I have made enquiries with Kechara Saraswati Arts with regards to repainting an 8inch statue. The prices will vary depending on what type of painting you are looking for. If you let me know what you are looking for specifically, I will be able to advice on prices.

      The options are:
      – Features only (eyes, eyebrows, lips, nose mouth)
      – Real gold face + features
      – Antique effect on body (face and features painting not included)
      – Full colour body (face and features painting not included)

      By the way, are you located in Malaysia or overseas? Will you be shipping your statue to Kechara Saraswati Arts or bringing it in personally?

      Hope the above helps.

      August 12, 2010 at 4:47 pm
  2. Lincoln Lau

    Hi beng, i am from Singapore. I will be sending the statue over by dhl. Just want to find out the cost of full antique effect on body the face is already painted and does not need additional painting. Thanks.

    August 14, 2010 at 11:39 am
  3. Lincoln Lau

    Thank you very much beng. How do i make payment and where to ship to? How long will this take?

    August 17, 2010 at 10:26 pm
  4. Goodluck Wong

    Hi Beng,

    I am GoodluckWong from Singapore, would like to know are you conducting any Statue Painting Course for the public ?
    Thanks.

    September 29, 2010 at 9:40 pm
  5. Goodluck Wong

    Hi Beng, Jeanai has refered to the 2010 classes registration, but it is very blur, I just cann’t geather any information out of it. Could you help to let me know the detial for the statue painting course by itself, such as: Can the cousre be arrange to conduct for an individual alone ? The course will have how many lessons ? What will be the course fee like ? Awaiting for your eariler reply. Please.

    October 6, 2010 at 11:22 am
  6. Kechara’s 13 Departments (Part 1) | Tsem Tulku Rinpoche

    [...] of atrwork, KSA is now able to offer practitioners many different methods for beautifying and painting their statues. For example, some people prefer a more traditional style, while others prefer their statues to be [...]

    October 9, 2010 at 12:47 pm
  7. Name Susan Mok

    hello I am interested to find out the cost of 6inch 黄财神铜像 for full body painting included face and feature.

    October 3, 2013 at 7:18 pm