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19" Pauva (Thangka) from Nepal

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Name: 19" Pauva (Thangka) from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS466
Price: 545.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$681

Includes any tariffs and taxes

The painted canvas or the Pauva (Thangka) is thoughtfully partitioned into distinct sections. The larger upper portion is dedicated to the primary deities and their followers, their intricate forms vividly captured. In contrast, the smaller lower part often houses depictions of patrons or contributors, serving as a testament to their support. Furthermore, the portrayal of women and men is visually demarcated, each positioned on opposite sides of the central deity or the ceremonial fire. This unique division by gender is a hallmark of Nepalese artwork.

The subject matter of pauva paintings encompasses seven principal categories: the life and previous incarnations of the Buddha, Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, meditative divinities, Dakas and Dakinis, and more.

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Specifications

	MIS466
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 19 inch
	Width: 16 inch
	Depth: 2 inch
	Weight 1.30 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.

An Emblem of Enlightenment and Auspiciousness

This exquisite piece, a Pauva from Nepal, is a testament to the profound spiritual artistry and rich cultural heritage of the Himalayan region. Crafted from copper and meticulously plated with gold, it radiates a warm, divine luminescence, drawing the eye and the spirit towards its intricate details. Its substantial size and the weight of its materials speak to the reverence and dedication with which it was created, intended to be a focal point for meditation, devotion, and the contemplation of higher truths.

The Central Figure of Compassion

At the heart of this sacred Pauva is a beautifully rendered image of the Buddha, seated in a meditative posture. His serene expression embodies peace, wisdom, and boundless compassion. He is depicted on a lotus pedestal, a symbol of purity and spiritual growth, rising above the muddy waters of worldly illusion. The detailed patterns within the circular aureole surrounding him suggest the infinite nature of consciousness and the radiant energy of enlightenment. This central image serves as a powerful reminder of the Buddha's teachings and the path to liberation.

A Tapestry of Sacred Symbols

Surrounding the central Buddha are numerous meticulously crafted figures and symbols, each imbued with deep meaning within Buddhist cosmology. Look closely, and you will discover representations of various deities, celestial beings, and auspicious animals. The presence of deer, often associated with the First Sermon of the Buddha at Sarnath where he taught the Four Noble Truths, evokes the Dharma wheel and the spread of spiritual knowledge. Mythological creatures, such as dragons and other fantastical beasts, symbolize the overcoming of obstacles and the protection of the Dharma. The abundance of devotional figures in prayerful poses underscores the communal aspect of spiritual practice and the interconnectedness of all sentient beings.

Craftsmanship and Cultural Significance

The art of Thangka painting and metalwork, from which this Pauva originates, is a centuries-old tradition in Nepal and Tibet. These intricate artworks are not merely decorative objects; they are vital tools for spiritual practice, used for meditation, visualization, and as aids to religious instruction. The creation of such a piece requires immense skill, patience, and a deep understanding of iconography and symbolism, passed down through generations of master artisans. This gold-plated copper Pauva, with its stunning detail and spiritual depth, offers a tangible connection to this revered tradition, inviting contemplation and fostering a sense of sacredness in any space it adorns.

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.