8" Superfine Begging Bowl (Bhiksha Patra)

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MADE IN INDIA.

8" Superfine Begging Bowl (Bhiksha Patra)

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Name: 8" Superfine Begging Bowl (Bhiksha Patra)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS914
Price: 1595.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1495.50

$1994

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

This item can be backordered

Time required to recreate this artwork

12 to 15 weeks

Advance to be paid now

$299.10 (20%)

Balance to be paid once product is ready

$1196.40

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	MIS914
	Copper with Silver
	Height: 5.5 inch
	Width: 8.5 inch
	Depth: 8.5 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.

A Vessel of Renunciation and Devotion

This exquisitely crafted begging bowl, or *bhiksha patra*, is more than just a container; it is a profound symbol of renunciation, detachment, and the spiritual path of the mendicant. Rooted in the ancient traditions of Buddhism, particularly in the monastic practices of Nepal and Tibet, the begging bowl serves as a constant reminder of the impermanence of material possessions and the importance of humility. The practice of begging for sustenance, known as *bhiksha*, was central to the life of the Buddha and his disciples. It was a way to foster compassion in the community, to prevent attachment to worldly goods, and to allow the monks to focus their minds on their spiritual development rather than on the acquisition of wealth. The act of receiving food in the bowl was seen as a spiritual offering, a way for householders to generate merit and support the monastic Sangha.

Artistry Adorned with Auspicious Symbolism

This particular begging bowl is a testament to the skill of Nepalese artisans. Crafted from high-quality copper and meticulously inlaid with silver, its surface is a canvas of intricate detail. The rim is adorned with a delicate, beaded pattern, leading down to ornate silver repoussé work. These decorative elements are punctuated by vibrant turquoise stones, symbolizing wisdom and the vast expanse of the sky, and carnelian, representing vitality and energy. The central panels feature stylized motifs, reminiscent of ancient temple carvings, which evoke the rich cultural and religious heritage of the region. The delicate chains and tassels that hang from the decorative flourishes add an element of movement and grace, drawing the eye to the bowl's substantial form.

Echoes of the Sacred Past

The *bhiksha patra* holds a significant place in Buddhist iconography and narrative. It is often depicted in images of the Buddha and bodhisattvas, such as Avalokiteshvara, who embody compassion. The bowl represents the ability to accept what is freely given, without judgment or expectation, a crucial aspect of cultivating equanimity. In some traditions, the bowl is also associated with the teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, as the monk's journey is one of self-reliance and inner transformation. The very act of carrying and using this bowl signifies a commitment to a life of simplicity and service, a path that leads to liberation from suffering. This exceptional piece, with its rich symbolic adornments and masterful craftsmanship, offers a tangible connection to these profound spiritual ideals, making it a significant addition to any altar or collection dedicated to Buddhist art and philosophy.

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.