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Five Dhyani Buddhas Conch with Vishva Vajra and Gemstones (Emerald, Ruby and Turquoise)

$506
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
XD07
Brass & Copper Sculpture
Height: 5 inch
Width: 10.5 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 1.14 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.

Echoes of Enlightenment

More than a decorative object, this conch shell embodies centuries of artistic tradition and spiritual significance. The conch shell, a symbol deeply rooted in both Hinduism and Buddhism, holds a prominent place in ritual practice and artistic expression. It's sound is believed to ward off negative energies and to invite deities and blessings. In Hinduism, the conch is an attribute of Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, often depicted holding one in his hands, ready to sound the cosmic alarm. In Buddhism, it symbolizes the spreading of the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha, echoing throughout the world. The conch's spiraling form is also associated with the continuous unfolding of existence and the boundless nature of the cosmos.

A Jewel-Encrusted Offering

This specific conch shell has been elaborately adorned, transforming it into a dazzling and powerful artifact. Notice the intricate mosaic work of vibrant turquoise and the fiery hues of coral. These stones, meticulously inlaid, create a surface rich in texture and color. The lustrous emeralds and rubies are not mere decoration; each gemstone carries its own unique properties, believed to enhance the conch's spiritual power. Emeralds, associated with compassion and wisdom, are thought to promote healing and understanding. Rubies, symbols of vitality and strength, are believed to ignite passion and courage. Turquoise, a protective stone, is often used in amulets and is said to bring good fortune and peace of mind.

The Five Dhyani Buddhas

The addition of the Five Dhyani Buddhas elevates this conch to a symbol of profound spiritual significance. These Buddhas, also known as the Five Wisdom Buddhas, represent different aspects of enlightenment and offer guidance on the path to self-realization. Each Buddha embodies a specific wisdom, color, element, direction, and mantra, providing a comprehensive framework for spiritual practice. Their presence on the conch serves as a constant reminder of the potential for enlightenment within oneself and the importance of cultivating wisdom, compassion, and equanimity.

The Vishva Vajra

The Vishva Vajra, or double vajra, is another powerful symbol featured in this piece. It represents the foundation of absolute stability and the union of wisdom and compassion. Its four heads represent the activities of the four directions, and its central hub symbolizes the unshakeable ground of enlightenment. Its presence on the conch reinforces the themes of stability, protection, and the transformative power of wisdom and compassion. This artifact, born from brass and copper sculpture, beautifully blends artistry with deeply held cultural and religious beliefs, and represents a rich and meaningful addition to any collection or spiritual practice.

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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