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14" Set Of Three Chokhapa From Nepal

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Name: 14" Set Of Three Chokhapa From Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: CAA118
Price: 5075.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$4758

$6344

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Tsongkhapa in Buddhist culture is the establisher of the Gelugpa sect, a prominent Vajrayana order to which belong the Dalai Lamas. The glistening golden cap of Tsongkhapa in these Nepalese gilded copper statues is symbolic of the order he founded, known as the Yellow Hats. The three statues from Nepal present the teacher in varied states of enlightened existence. One depicts him with the gesture of turning the wheel of Dhamma, while the other two show him teaching the Dhamma, with the Vitarka Mudra and a book.

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Specifications

	CAA118
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 14 inch
	Width: 8 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 8.60 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	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.

Guardians of Wisdom and Compassion

These exquisite statues, crafted from copper and adorned with gold, present a set of three revered figures from Nepalese spiritual tradition. Their serene expressions and intricate detailing speak of a deep devotion and artistic mastery honed over generations. Each figure is seated in a meditative posture, symbolizing inner peace and profound contemplation. The lotus base upon which they rest is a universal symbol of purity and enlightenment, representing the unfolding of spiritual awareness. The golden hue imbues the statues with a divine radiance, evoking the sacredness and awe associated with enlightened beings.

The Revered Form of Chokhapa

The figures depicted are known as Chokhapa, a term often associated with important lamas or spiritual leaders within the Tibetan Buddhist lineage, which has a strong presence and influence in Nepal. The distinctive pointed caps, accented with red trim, are characteristic of the attire worn by such venerable figures, signifying their authority and role as teachers. The intricate patterns etched onto their robes are not merely decorative; they often represent mandalas, cosmic diagrams used in meditation, or the profound teachings of the Dharma. The posture, with hands held in a gesture of blessing or teaching, invites reverence and contemplation from the viewer. The presence of ornamental staffs emerging from behind their shoulders, often depicted as stylized floral motifs, further signifies their spiritual power and connection to the natural world.

A Heritage of Devotion and Craftsmanship

The creation of such detailed and precious religious art is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual fabric of Nepal. For centuries, artisans have dedicated their lives to perfecting the techniques of metal casting and embellishment, producing works that serve as focal points for devotion and spiritual practice. These statues are not simply decorative objects; they are considered sacred embodiments of divine qualities, designed to inspire practitioners, facilitate meditation, and transmit spiritual wisdom. Their presence in a home or monastery is believed to invite blessings, protection, and an atmosphere of peace and tranquility. This set of three Chokhapa statues represents a tangible connection to a rich heritage of faith and artistic excellence, offering a glimpse into the profound spiritual landscape of the Himalayas.

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.