An artistic and
ornamental object, this brass and copper vase is adorned with the powerful
Buddhist symbols of Dorje (Vajra) and Parasol (one of the Ashtamangala or eight
auspicious signs). The vase has a beautiful design, ornamented with metal and
stone inlay pieces that create a balance of shine and color. The symbol of
Enlightenment and power of the Buddha- the Vajra, makes this vase a divine
element in your space, lighting it up with the divine appeal of profound
Buddhist symbols.
A Vessel of Sacred Artistry and Mystical Symbolism
This exquisite vase is more than just a decorative object; it is a tangible piece of spiritual artistry, meticulously crafted to embody the rich cultural heritage of Tibet and Nepal. Fashioned from a robust copper base and adorned with intricate brass inlays, this vessel stands as a testament to the enduring traditions of Himalayan metalworking. Its generous twelve-inch height makes it a commanding presence, while its detailed ornamentation invites closer inspection, revealing layers of meaning and craftsmanship.Echoes of the Himalayas: Design and Symbolism
The surface of this vase is a vibrant tapestry of color and form, brought to life through the skilled application of enamel and precious metals. The dominant motif is the Dorje, a sacred symbol in Buddhism, often depicted as a thunderbolt or diamond scepter. The Dorje represents indestructibility, power, and enlightenment, a constant reminder of the Vajrayana path's ability to overcome obstacles and achieve spiritual clarity. Its presence on this vase is not merely decorative but imbued with profound spiritual significance, symbolizing the unshakeable nature of truth and the strength of spiritual practice. Surrounding the Dorje are delicate filigree patterns and auspicious floral motifs, reminiscent of the boundless beauty found in the Himalayan landscape and the blooming of spiritual awareness. The use of vibrant turquoise and deep reds further enhances the visual richness, colors that are deeply significant in Tibetan culture, often associated with protection, healing, and vitality.A Legacy of Devotion and Craftsmanship
The creation of such a piece is a labor of devotion, passed down through generations of artisans. Each hammer strike, each delicate inlay, is performed with a reverence for the materials and the sacred imagery they represent. In Tibet and Nepal, objects of such beauty are often created for use in monasteries, homes, or as offerings. They are not simply seen as adornments but as conduits for spiritual energy and visual aids in meditation and prayer. This vase carries the echoes of ancient rituals and the quiet contemplation of monks, embodying a connection to the divine that transcends time. Imagine this vase gracing a sacred altar or a serene meditation space, its intricate patterns drawing the eye and inspiring a sense of peace and spiritual elevation. Its substantial construction ensures it will be a cherished heirloom, a source of inspiration and a conversation piece for years to come, connecting those who behold it to the timeless wisdom of the East.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.
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