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Ashtamangala and Om Mani Padme Hum Bell Dorje with Case

$380
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
XI97
Bronze and Copper Sculpture
Height: 7.5 inch
Width: 6 inch
Depth: 4.3 inch
Weight 1.12 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Sacred Sounds of Wisdom and Compassion

This meticulously crafted bronze and copper sculpture offers a tangible connection to the profound traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. The set includes a bell and dorje, two essential ritual implements, along with a protective carrying case. These sacred objects, brought together, represent the union of wisdom and skillful means, the very essence of enlightenment. The bell, with its clear, resonating tone, symbolizes wisdom, calling practitioners to awareness and clarity. The dorje, often translated as "thunderbolt" or "diamond," represents the indestructible nature of reality and the skillful means necessary to realize its truth. Together, they work in harmony to dispel ignorance and cultivate compassion. The detailed artistry that adorns both the bell and dorje is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of the region. These are not merely objects; they are vessels of profound meaning, imbued with the prayers and intentions of generations of practitioners. Holding them, one can almost feel the weight of tradition and the echoing chants of ancient monasteries.

Auspicious Symbols and Mantras

The bell's surface is etched with the Ashtamangala, or Eight Auspicious Symbols, each a powerful emblem representing good fortune, prosperity, and spiritual blessings. These symbols are frequently seen in Tibetan art and ritual objects, invoking positive energies and warding off negativity. Among these sacred symbols, you might find the Lotus Flower, signifying purity and spiritual awakening; the Endless Knot, representing the interconnectedness of all things; and the Victory Banner, symbolizing the triumph over obstacles and the attainment of enlightenment. Further enhancing its spiritual significance, the bell is also inscribed with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum." This six-syllable mantra is one of the most revered in Tibetan Buddhism, associated with Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Reciting this mantra is believed to invoke Avalokiteśvara's blessings and purify negative karma, opening the heart to compassion and loving-kindness. The mantra's sound vibrations are said to resonate with the very fabric of the universe, bringing harmony and peace to the practitioner and all beings.

Preservation and Reverence

The accompanying case, also crafted from copper and bronze, is designed to protect these sacred implements when not in use. It is more than just a container; it reflects the reverence and care with which these objects are to be treated. The interior of the case may also be decorated with symbolic images or geometric patterns. Owning this bell and dorje set offers not just a beautiful work of art, but a tangible link to a lineage of wisdom and compassion. It is an invitation to integrate the practices of mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom into daily life.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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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