Ashtamangala Incense Burner with Stand and Dharmachakra Atop

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Name: Ashtamangala Incense Burner with Stand and Dharmachakra Atop
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XF83
Price: 90.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$104

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	XF83
	Copper and Brass
	Height: 4 inch
	Width: 11 inch
	Depth: 2 inch
	Weight 360 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.

Auspicious Symbols: Illuminating the Path

This incense burner is more than just a functional object; it is a repository of ancient symbolism, carefully crafted to enhance your spiritual practice and imbue your surroundings with positive energy. The copper and brass construction provides a sturdy vessel for your chosen incense, while the intricate detailing elevates it to a piece of art. The surface of the burner is adorned with the Ashtamangala, eight auspicious symbols deeply revered in Tibetan Buddhism. Each symbol carries profound meaning and represents different aspects of enlightened qualities. These emblems, often depicted in sets, serve as reminders of the teachings of the Buddha and their potential to lead to inner peace and happiness. These eight symbols are; the lotus flower, representing purity and enlightenment; the conch shell, symbolizing the dissemination of the Dharma; the endless knot, embodying interconnectedness and the cycle of rebirth; the victory banner, signifying the triumph over obstacles and negativities; the golden fishes, representing happiness and abundance; the parasol, symbolizing protection from suffering; the treasure vase, signifying inexhaustible wealth and spiritual abundance; and the wheel of dharma.

The Dharmachakra: Turning the Wheel of Truth

Resting atop the burner is the Dharmachakra, or Wheel of Dharma. This potent symbol represents the Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment. Its eight spokes symbolize the Noble Eightfold Path, the core principles of Buddhist practice leading to liberation from suffering. These are; Right Understanding, Right Thought, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration. The Dharmachakra is often depicted being "turned" by the Buddha, signifying the initiation of his teachings. Its presence atop this incense burner signifies the intention to awaken wisdom and compassion through the act of burning incense, creating an atmosphere conducive to meditation and contemplation. The two deer that flanks the Dharmachakra, are symbolic of the Deer Park in Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. Using this incense burner is more than just a way to enjoy fragrant aromas; it is an opportunity to connect with ancient wisdom and enhance your spiritual journey. By surrounding yourself with these auspicious symbols, you can cultivate a space of peace, clarity, and inspiration, allowing you to more easily access your own inner wisdom. This exquisite piece serves as a beautiful reminder of the potential for enlightenment that resides within each of us.

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.