This small Tibetan Buddhist
spinning prayer wheel is a tribute to the
tradition of chanting the Mani Mantra consisting of the sacred words of Om Mani
Padme Hum. This prayer wheel is made of brass and copper and decorated with
inlay work of red, blue, and turquoise stones on the body. The Mani mantra
letters are inscribed on the body of the wheel. When rotated clockwise, the
wheel resonates the mantra into the environment and cleanses it.
Echoes of Enlightenment: A Tibetan Prayer Wheel
Immerse yourself in the profound spiritual traditions of Tibet with this exquisite, small spinning prayer wheel. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail in Nepal, this artifact is more than just an object; it is a conduit for peace, wisdom, and compassion. The cylinder is adorned with vibrant inlays of turquoise and lapis lazuli, interspersed with rich red hues, each section framed by delicate metalwork. Embossed upon these colorful panels are sacred Tibetan mantras, golden symbols of profound spiritual significance, designed to be activated with each turn.The Power of Mantras and the Wheel
The act of spinning a prayer wheel is a devotional practice deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism. It is believed that each rotation of the wheel, inscribed with millions of prayers and mantras, is equivalent to reciting them audibly. This particular wheel features the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," a potent invocation associated with Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. The legend of its origin speaks of the great sage Nagarjuna, who is said to have discovered the first prayer wheel, revealing its power to bring merit and blessings to all beings. In Tibetan culture, these wheels are seen as embodiments of the teachings of the Buddha, helping to purify negative karma, accumulate merit, and ultimately foster spiritual growth.A Testament to Craftsmanship
This prayer wheel is a beautiful fusion of copper and brass, metals traditionally used in Tibetan sacred objects for their durability and aesthetic appeal. The intricate inlay work, featuring semi-precious stones, speaks to the skill and artistry of Nepalese craftspeople who have preserved these ancient techniques for generations. The base of the wheel is a shining brass bell, its gentle tone adding another layer of sensory experience to the devotional practice. The golden orb atop the cylinder represents the jewel of enlightenment, completing the symbolic representation of the path to spiritual awakening.A Beacon of Peace in Your Space
Whether placed on an altar, a desk, or a shelf, this small Tibetan prayer wheel serves as a constant reminder of mindfulness and spiritual aspiration. Its compact size makes it a perfect addition to any home or meditation space, allowing you to engage in the practice of spinning the wheel, sending positive intentions and blessings into the world with every gentle turn. This artifact is not merely decorative; it is a tangible connection to a rich spiritual heritage, a tool for cultivating inner peace and spreading universal kindness.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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