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8" Copper Incense Box from Nepal

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Name: 8" Copper Incense Box from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS473
Price: 230.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$265

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Beyond its role as a mere copper incense box, this piece embodies a fusion of material elegance and artistic depth. Adorned with a representation of camels gracefully positioned beside the incense tip-opener, and embellished with avian motifs that find solace at each corner, the box transcends the confines of mere functionality. This sanctified space becomes a juncture where devotion harmonizes intimately with scent, fostering a profound connection between the earthly and the celestial. Imprinted within the architecture of the copper vessel are the echoes of each herb's placement and every hushed plea, forming a resonant narrative. The luminous surface of the box does more than capture the essence of past rituals; it extends an invitation to partake in the timeless ritual of communion with the divine.

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Specifications

	MIS473
	Copper
	Height: 4.5 inch
	Width: 8 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 800 gm

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 Sacred Aroma and Artistic Heritage

This exquisite copper incense box from Nepal is more than just a vessel for fragrant smoke; it is a tangible piece of spiritual artistry, imbued with centuries of cultural significance. Crafted from lustrous copper, its surface bears the patina of time and devotion, hinting at the sacred rituals it has witnessed. The intricate details speak of a tradition where every form, every embellishment, carries meaning, connecting the earthly realm with the divine.

Guardians of the Sacred Smoke

The design of this incense box is rich with symbolism. The sloped roof, adorned with delicately rendered animal figures, evokes the majestic mountain landscape of Nepal, home to a spiritual tapestry woven with threads of Buddhism and Hinduism. The small, alert figures, perhaps symbolizing vigilance or the swiftness of messengers carrying prayers to the heavens, are reminiscent of the spirit animals that guide and protect in many ancient traditions. The central finial, a tiered spire, echoes the stupas and temples that dot the Nepalese horizon, each a testament to faith and aspiration.

Whispers of the Divine Realm

The body of the box is a testament to masterful craftsmanship. Raised bands of intricate geometric patterns, often found in sacred architecture and textiles, encircle the main chamber. These motifs, reminiscent of Tibetan knotwork or Buddhist mandalas, are believed to represent the interconnectedness of all things and the eternal cycle of life. Adorning the curved sides are bold, stylized faces, likely representations of protective deities or guardians known as "kirtimukha" or "lion faces." In Nepalese and Tibetan art, the kirtimukha is a fierce protector, warding off evil spirits and negative influences, ensuring that the offerings and prayers are received with purity and auspiciousness. The central, larger face at the front may represent a principal deity or a powerful protector, its gaze fixed outwards, safeguarding the sanctity of the space.

A Vessel for Purification and Meditation

The very act of burning incense is a profound ritual across many cultures. In Nepal, and indeed throughout the Himalayas, the smoke from incense is considered a purifying agent, cleansing the environment of negativity and creating an atmosphere conducive to meditation, prayer, and spiritual contemplation. It is offered to deities, used to mark auspicious occasions, and burned as a form of respect and devotion. This copper box, with its pierced lid allowing the fragrant smoke to ascend in ethereal tendrils, serves as a perfect conduit for these sacred intentions. The careful perforation of the lid, often in intricate floral or geometric patterns, allows for a controlled release of aroma, creating a sensory experience that aids in focus and mindfulness. It is an object designed to facilitate a deeper connection with the spiritual world, enhancing any meditative practice or sacred ceremony.

Timeless Craftsmanship, Enduring Spirituality

This 8-inch copper incense box is a testament to the enduring legacy of Nepalese artisans. Its construction, a blend of tradition and artistry, makes it a functional piece of ritual equipment and a beautiful decorative object. Whether used for its intended purpose or displayed as a cultural artifact, it carries with it the essence of a land steeped in spirituality and artistic heritage, offering a unique glimpse into the heart of ancient practices and beliefs.

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.