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Five-Pronged Gold Plated Dorje with Gemstones

$309.75
$413
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
XE74
Copper Sculpture
Height: 2.3 inch
Width: 6.3 inch
Depth: 2.3 inch
Weight 160 gm
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.

A Symbol of Unwavering Strength

The dorje, also known as a vajra, is a powerful ritual object in Tibetan Buddhism, representing the indestructible nature of reality and the unwavering strength of the enlightened mind. Far more than a mere talisman, it symbolizes the union of wisdom and compassion, the two essential pillars of Buddhist practice. Holding a dorje during meditation and ritual is believed to invoke these qualities, helping to cut through delusion and achieve a state of clarity and inner peace. The metallic composition of this dorje resonates with the alchemical transmutation from base metal to precious gold, embodying the seeker's progression towards enlightenment.

Craftsmanship and Gemstone Significance

This exquisite dorje features a copper sculpture covered with radiant gold plating, its surface adorned with captivating gemstones. Turquoise, revered for its protective qualities and association with the sky, offers blessings of tranquility and spiritual insight. Coral, known for its vitality and connection to the earth, brings grounding energy and awakens passions. The five-pronged design represents the five wisdoms of the Buddha and the five Buddha families, illustrating a path to wholeness, perfect vision, and enlightened understanding. Every detail, from the curves of the prongs to the arrangement of the gemstones, speaks to the artistry and deep spiritual meaning of this sacred implement.

The Dorje in Mythology and Practice

Legend has it that the dorje was originally wielded by the Hindu god Indra as a fearsome thunderbolt, capable of destroying anything in its path. In Tibetan Buddhism, this destructive power is transformed into a force for positive change, used to dispel ignorance and negative emotions. The dorje is often paired with a bell (ghanta), symbolizing the feminine principle of wisdom. Together, the dorje and bell represent the inseparable union of wisdom and compassion, the key to unlocking enlightenment and benefiting all beings. This harmonious union mirrors the concept of Yin and Yang, where opposing forces are integrated for balance and wholeness. This particular piece, while not as large as some ceremonial dorjes, is perfectly sized for personal practice, travel, or display in a sacred space. Its beauty and profound symbolism will serve as a constant reminder of your spiritual aspirations.

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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