Made in Nepal Tibetan Buddhist Stupa (Chorten)

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Name: Made in Nepal Tibetan Buddhist Stupa (Chorten)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZBJ23
Price: 140.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$161

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZBJ23
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 4.5 inch
	Width: 1.8 inch
	Depth: 1.8 inch
	Weight 260 gm

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

An Emblem of Enlightenment and Serenity

This exquisite Tibetan Buddhist Stupa, or Chorten, is a profound symbol of peace, enlightenment, and spiritual aspiration. Crafted in Nepal, a land deeply intertwined with Buddhist traditions, this miniature masterpiece is not merely an object of beauty but a conduit for meditation and spiritual reflection. The Stupa's form itself is a visual representation of the Buddhist path, with each architectural element holding symbolic meaning, guiding the practitioner towards liberation. The base represents the earth, grounding us in reality, while the progressively ascending tiers symbolize the stages of spiritual development, culminating in the pinnacle which represents Nirvana, the ultimate state of peace and enlightenment.

Sacred Craftsmanship and Golden Radiance

The artistry behind this Stupa is evident in its intricate details and the rich materials used. Constructed from copper, it has been meticulously gilded with 24-karat gold, lending it a breathtaking radiance that captures and reflects light, symbolizing the luminous nature of awakened consciousness. The warm, earthy tones of the base provide a grounding contrast to the shimmering gold, creating a harmonious visual balance. The layered tiers of the body, each finely articulated, evoke the cascading wisdom and blessings of the Dharma. The lotus-like finial at the apex is a classic Buddhist motif, representing purity, spiritual awakening, and the unfolding of the enlightened mind, much like the petals of a lotus blossom opening to the sun. This meticulous gilding technique, a hallmark of traditional Nepalese craftsmanship, ensures that the Stupa retains its lustrous appearance, becoming a treasured centerpiece for contemplation.

Cultural Significance and Mythological Resonance

Throughout Buddhist history, stupas have served as sacred reliquaries, often housing relics of the Buddha or enlightened masters. They are sites of pilgrimage, circumambulation, and prayer, fostering a deep connection to the spiritual heritage. In Tibetan Buddhism, the construction of stupas is considered a meritorious act, generating positive karma and promoting well-being for all beings. The Stupa, in its various forms, is intrinsically linked to the life and teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Legends speak of his enlightened mind being so vast and profound that it could only be contained within the cosmic form of the stupa. Each stupa is a microcosm of the universe, a reminder of impermanence and the potential for transformation inherent within us all. Placing this sacred object in your home or meditation space invites a palpable sense of peace, wisdom, and spiritual auspiciousness, echoing the profound teachings and the enduring legacy of the Buddha. It serves as a constant reminder to cultivate compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of enlightenment in our daily lives.

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.