11" Mask of Bhairava from Nepal | Wall Hanging

•

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

11" Mask of Bhairava from Nepal | Wall Hanging

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: 11" Mask of Bhairava from Nepal | Wall Hanging
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS451
Price: 1255.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1443

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	MIS451
	Copper - Crystal
	Height: 11.5 inch
	Width: 10 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 900 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Unveiling the Wrathful Bhairava

This magnificent 11.5" copper and crystal mask of Bhairava, a prominent deity in the Hindu and Buddhist pantheons, is a captivating piece of Nepalese artistry. Its intricate details and vibrant colors bring to life the fierce yet captivating essence of this powerful protector. The mask is meticulously crafted, showcasing the skill and devotion of Nepalese artisans who have for centuries perpetuated the traditions of sacred art. The dark, imposing face of Bhairava is framed by a striking headdress adorned with snakes, skulls, and floral motifs, all rendered with breathtaking detail. Notice the third eye, a potent symbol of divine insight and power, positioned prominently on Bhairava's forehead. The overall effect is one of both awe-inspiring power and profound spiritual depth.

Bhairava: The Protector and Destroyer

Bhairava, a form of Shiva, is revered as a fierce protector and destroyer of evil. His name itself means “the terrible one,” reflecting his formidable appearance and ability to vanquish negative forces. He is often depicted with multiple arms, weapons, and an array of terrifying ornaments. He transcends the boundaries between destruction and creation, embodying the cyclical nature of life and death. In Hindu mythology, Bhairava is associated with time and the cyclical dance of creation and destruction. He guards the thresholds between realms, protecting both the living and the dead. His fierce energy is often used to overcome obstacles and remove any negative influences.

The Symbolism of the Mask

The intricate details adorning this mask are far more than mere decoration; they carry deep spiritual meaning. The snakes, symbolizing primordial energy and transformation, coil around the mask's edges, adding to the overall sense of power and mystery. The skulls represent the transient nature of existence, reminding us of the impermanence of life. The vibrant colors and floral motifs, while striking, serve as a contrast to Bhairava's fierce countenance. They subtly represent the balance between his destructive nature and the beauty and order he ultimately maintains. The turquoise stones, often associated with spiritual growth and protection, add further to the piece’s mystical appeal. Owning this mask is not simply owning a decorative object, but rather a portal into the complex layers of mythology and symbolism associated with Bhairava.

Craftsmanship and Cultural Significance

This Bhairava mask is a testament to the rich artistic traditions of Nepal. The use of copper and crystal, along with the meticulous hand-painted details and gilded accents, highlights the high level of skill and craftsmanship involved in its creation. Nepalese artisans have long produced religious artworks that not only reflect religious beliefs but also serve as important tools in ritual and spiritual practice. The mask’s size, at 11.5 x 10.0 x 2.5 inches, makes it an ideal centerpiece for any collection, enhancing its visual impact. The accompanying wooden stand further enhances the display. This mask is more than a mere decorative item; it is a cultural artifact, a powerful symbol steeped in rich history and mythology, ready to enhance your home or workspace with its intense spiritual energy.

Bringing Home the Power of Bhairava

This stunning mask of Bhairava serves as a powerful statement piece, a captivating blend of artistry, mythology, and cultural heritage. Its presence in your home or workspace is sure to invoke a sense of awe and protection. Whether you are a collector of religious artifacts, a devotee of Hinduism or Buddhism, or simply someone who appreciates exceptional craftsmanship, this Bhairava mask is a truly exceptional addition to any space. It is a tangible link to Nepal's rich artistic and spiritual heritage and serves as a constant reminder of Bhairava's powerful presence and protection.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.

At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.

The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.

The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.