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12" Tibetan Buddhist Copper Namgyalma Stupa from Nepal

$562.50
$750
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

A Buddhist stupa is a cherished structure that holds great spiritual value and stands as a tribute to the fundamental teachings of the religion. It forms like a dome or tower, representing the enlightened mind and acting as a center of respect and reflection. The stupa is a spiritual beacon, adorned with elaborate sculptures and frequently containing relics or sacred writings.

 

A common technique that symbolizes the path to enlightenment is circumambulating the stupa, or walking around its base ritualistically. From the stupa's square base to its top spire, every element has a symbolic meaning that relates to a particular facet of Buddhist doctrine.

Specifications
MIV983
COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
Height: 12 inch
Width: 6 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 2.50 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Beacon of Enlightenment: Namgyalma Stupa

This exquisite stupa, crafted from copper and gilded with radiant gold, is a testament to the enduring artistry and profound spirituality of Nepalese Buddhism. Standing at a commanding twelve inches, it embodies the sacred architecture that houses relics and serves as a focal point for meditation and devotion. The intricate details, from the tiered base to the crowning spire, speak of a tradition steeped in centuries of practice and reverence.

Symbolism and Sacredness

The stupa, in its various forms, is a fundamental symbol in Buddhism, representing the enlightened mind of the Buddha, the Dharma (teachings), and the Sangha (community). This particular stupa, dedicated to Namgyalma, is especially potent. Namgyalma, or Ushnishavijaya, is a deity associated with longevity, purification, and the overcoming of obstacles. Her image is often depicted within the structure of a stupa, signifying her power to grant long life and auspicious blessings. In ancient Buddhist lore, it is said that observing a stupa can purify negative karma, much like the legendary stories of pilgrims circumambulating sacred sites, their devotion transforming their spiritual path.

Artistry from the Himalayas

Hailing from Nepal, a land that has served as a crucible for Buddhist art and philosophy, this stupa is a masterpiece of traditional craftsmanship. The rich, warm tones of the copper, enhanced by the shimmering gold leaf, create a visually stunning piece. The careful rendering of each element, from the decorative scrollwork to the subtle curves of the spire, reflects the skill and dedication of the artisans. The base, with its layered design and ornamental detailing, provides a grounding stability, mirroring the foundational principles of Buddhist practice. This stupa is not merely an object of beauty, but a vessel for spiritual energy, meticulously constructed to inspire and uplift. ––––––––––––––––––––

A Gateway to Inner Peace

The presence of a stupa like this within one's home or sacred space is believed to invite positive energy, protection, and spiritual growth. It serves as a constant reminder of the ultimate goals of Buddhist practice – to achieve enlightenment and to benefit all sentient beings. Whether used in personal rituals, placed on an altar, or displayed as a piece of sacred art, this Namgyalma stupa is a powerful conduit for cultivating peace, wisdom, and compassion in your life. Its origin in Nepal, a land where spirituality is woven into the fabric of daily existence, adds another layer of authenticity and blessing to this remarkable creation.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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