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13" Pauva (Thangka) from Nepal

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Name: 13" Pauva (Thangka) from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS455
Price: 325.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$406

Includes any tariffs and taxes

The Nepalese Pauva, also known as Thangka, is an exquisite artistic expression that intertwines spirituality and culture. Painted with meticulous detail, the Pauva is a visual representation of sacred teachings and divine realms. Its intricate brushwork and vibrant colors bring to life deities, mandalas, and spiritual narratives. The Pauva holds deep significance in Nepalese culture, often used as a tool for meditation and a conduit for connecting with higher consciousness. This intricate artwork offers a window into the rich tapestry of Nepalese religious traditions. Displayed in homes, monasteries, or shrines, the Pauva becomes a focal point for devotion and contemplation. Each stroke carries the legacy of generations, encapsulating the essence of spirituality and artistic mastery. The Nepalese Pauva not only enriches the visual landscape but also serves as a bridge to the divine, inspiring seekers to delve into the depths of wisdom and enlightenment.

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Specifications

	MIS455
	Wood - Copper
	Height: 13 inch
	Width: 13 inch
	Depth: 1 inch
	Weight 1.90 kg

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.

A Sacred Scroll of Enlightenment

This exquisite Pauva, hailing from the spiritual heartland of Nepal, serves as a tangible connection to ancient Buddhist traditions. Crafted with devotion from wood and adorned with intricately cast copper figures, it embodies the profound teachings and rich iconography of Himalayan Buddhism. The vibrant, aged patina speaks to its history and the countless moments of contemplation it has witnessed, making it more than just an artifact, but a vessel of spiritual narrative.

Imagery and Symbolism

The central panel features a powerful deity, likely a manifestation of compassion or wisdom, depicted in a posture of serene authority. Surrounded by smaller figures, each represents a facet of the enlightened path or protectors of the Dharma. The repeating motif of lotuses, a universal symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, blooms across the surface, signifying the unfolding of consciousness and the transcendence of suffering. The inclusion of figures like the lion and bull, common in Buddhist art, often symbolize strength, steadfastness, and the subjugation of negative forces, paving the way for spiritual progress.

A Portal to the Divine

The Pauva, in its traditional form, was used as a portable shrine or a visual aid for meditation and ritual. It would have been unrolled before devotees during ceremonies, allowing them to meditate on the depicted deities and contemplate the path to enlightenment. The copper figures, rendered with remarkable detail, draw the viewer into their sacred stories. Each miniature representation invites a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, offering guidance and inspiration for those seeking spiritual solace and wisdom. This particular Pauva, with its sturdy wooden construction and the timeless appeal of its imagery, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Nepalese artistry and Buddhist devotion.

A Legacy of Devotion

The creation of such devotional objects is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Nepal, where art and spirituality are inextricably intertwined. Artisans, often from generations of craftspeople, imbue each piece with immense skill and spiritual intention. This Pauva is a direct lineage from the sacred art traditions that have flourished in monasteries and hermitages for centuries, serving as a bridge between the earthly and the divine, and a constant reminder of the path towards inner peace and liberation. It is a piece that resonates with the very essence of devotion and the pursuit of spiritual awakening.

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.