The Srivatsa is
another name for the everlasting knot, a holy emblem and part of the Astamangala.
The term Srivatsa denotes Shri
or Lakshmi's beloved. It evokes suspicion, and
its appearance beside the brass prayer wheel crafted in Nepal represents the
Buddha's infinite knowledge and compassion. The three lines of Om Mani Padme
Hum etched on the wheel's body enable the devotee to benefit from the mantra's
knowledge and develop understanding. This prayer
wheel on a stand attached to a crown of the
Srivatsa placed on a lotus and surrounded with clouds is a ceremonial device
designed to aid in concentration and the entrance of divine energy.Â
A Sacred Vessel of Merit and Wisdom
This exquisite prayer wheel, meticulously crafted in Nepal, embodies the profound spiritual traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Its design is rich with symbolism, intended to inspire devotion and cultivate inner peace. The main body of the wheel, fashioned from durable brass and copper, is intricately engraved with mantras, the sacred syllables that resonate with the sound of the universe. Each turn of this wheel is believed to multiply the merit gained from reciting these mantras, purifying negative karma and accumulating positive spiritual energy. The turning of the prayer wheel is analogous to the turning of the Dharma wheel, symbolizing the eternal teachings of the Buddha.The Auspicious Endless Knot and Lotus Bloom
Crowning this sacred object is the Endless Knot
, one of the eight auspicious symbols in Tibetan Buddhism, known as the Ashtamangala. This intricate, knotless design signifies the interconnectedness of all phenomena, the eternal nature of the Buddha's teachings, and the wisdom that transcends cause and effect. It represents the seamless union of wisdom and compassion, the interdependent nature of reality, and the ultimate liberation from the cycle of suffering. Below the Endless Knot rests a beautifully rendered lotus bloom, a potent symbol in Buddhist iconography representing purity, enlightenment, and the unfolding of spiritual awareness, even in the midst of samsara's muddy waters. The combination of these powerful motifs creates a potent focal point for meditation and prayer.A Tradition of Devotion, Handcrafted for You
Each prayer wheel is a testament to the skill and devotion of Nepalese artisans who have passed down their craft through generations. The combination of brass and copper not only offers durability but also a pleasing aesthetic, with the metals developing a beautiful patina over time, deepening their spiritual resonance. This prayer wheel is more than just an object; it is an invitation to engage with the timeless wisdom of Buddhism. Whether placed in a meditation space, on an altar, or as a decorative piece imbued with spiritual significance, it serves as a constant reminder of the path to enlightenment and the power of mindful intention. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of peace and spiritual contemplation.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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