This exquisite 25cm / 9.8" Sitatapatra statue represents the refined artistry of Nepalese master craftsmanship—a skillfully hand-carved pure copper masterwork featuring complete 24k gold-gilding.
· Height: 25 cm / 9.8 inches
· Material: Pure copper with complete 24k gold-gilding
· Style: Sitatapatra (White Parasol Buddha) in seated posture with white parasol
· Origin: Hand-carved masterwork from Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
· Ideal for: Meditation space, home altar, protection practice, spiritual art collection
Sitatapatra, known as the White Parasol Buddha, is a powerful female protector deity in Himalayan Buddhist tradition who emerged from the ushnisha (crown protuberance) of Shakyamuni Buddha. Her name means "white parasol," symbolizing her ability to shield all beings from harm, negative forces, and obstacles. She possesses immense power to protect against supernatural attacks, black magic, evil spirits, and all forms of danger. Her practice is particularly revered for its ability to return negative energies to their source and cover practitioners with divine protection.
Seated in full vajra posture upon a double lotus throne, her expression embodies the perfect balance of peaceful compassion and protective power—downcast eyes that gaze upon all beings with unconditional love, a gentle smile radiating the warmth of maternal care. The three eyes (including the wisdom eye in her forehead) perceive all suffering and respond with immediate protection.
The double lotus throne beneath her features two layers of individually carved petals—each petal precisely shaped, their tips slightly curled, creating a throne of sacred beauty. The upper layer of petals faces upward, representing liberation, while the lower layer faces downward, symbolizing compassion descending to benefit all beings.
In her right hand, extended in varada mudra (the gesture of supreme giving), she holds a small Dharma wheel, representing the gift of protection and the turning of enlightened activity. In her left hand, held gracefully at her heart, she grasps the stem of her signature attribute—the white parasol—which unfurls protectively above, symbolizing her power to cover all beings with divine shelter.
She wears the full regalia of a wisdom deity—the elaborate five-jewel crown adorning her head represents the five wisdoms, each jewel rendered with crisp definition. Long silk ribbons cascade from her crown, their delicate folds carved with precision. Long earrings graze her shoulders, symbolizing her balanced awareness of all realms. Elaborate jewelry adorns her form: necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and anklets—all rendered with meticulous attention. Celestial silks drape gracefully over her shoulders, their flowing folds demonstrating mastery of classical techniques.
The complete 24k gold-gilding adds radiant luminosity to the entire sculpture. Multiple layers of pure gold are carefully applied using traditional mercury-gilding techniques, creating a warm, glowing surface that catches light and draws the eye to Sitatapatra's serene yet powerful presence. This full gold finish ensures the deity shines with consistent splendor from every angle.
According to traditional sources, Sitatapatra holds a uniquely important position as the most powerful deity for protection against supernatural harm. She is described as having "great power, great function, and great wisdom, able to emit great light and cover all with the pure virtue of the Buddha." The white parasol she holds is not merely an attribute but a symbol of her ability to shelter all beings like a loving mother protecting her children. Those who connect with her energy are said to be protected from all harm—from evil spirits and demonic forces to natural disasters and human enemies.
For more than a millennium, the Kathmandu Valley has nurtured a living lineage of metal sculptors who have preserved the traditions of ancient lost-wax creation and mercury-gilding. This 25cm Sitatapatra masterwork represents that living heritage—a timeless expression of the White Parasol Buddha who protects all beings without exception.
