Made in Nepal Tibetan Buddhist Stupa (Chorten)

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Name: Made in Nepal Tibetan Buddhist Stupa (Chorten)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEM724
Price: 660.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$759

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZEM724
	Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 11.5 inch
	Width: 5.2 inch
	Depth: 5.2 inch
	Weight 2 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Sacred Symbol of Enlightenment

This exquisite copper sculpture, meticulously gilded with 24 Karat gold, is a profound representation of a Tibetan Buddhist Stupa, also known as a Chorten. More than just an object of beauty, the stupa is a potent symbol within Buddhism, embodying the enlightened mind of the Buddha and serving as a focal point for meditation and devotion. Its architectural form is rich with meaning, each element representing stages of the path to enlightenment. The base signifies the earth, upon which the tiered structure rises, each level representing a spiritual realm or a stage of realization, culminating in the pinnacle, which symbolizes nirvana.

Craftsmanship and Divine Adornment

Handcrafted in Nepal, a region deeply steeped in Buddhist tradition and artistry, this stupa showcases the exceptional skill of its creators. The use of copper as the base material provides a solid and enduring foundation, while the lavish application of 24 Karat gold speaks to the sacredness and preciousness of the spiritual journey it represents. The intricate details, from the gently tiered spire to the decorative motifs adorning the base, are a testament to hours of dedicated craftsmanship. The warm, rich tones of the copper, enhanced by the brilliant gleam of gold, create a captivating visual appeal that draws the eye and invites contemplation.

Cultural Significance and Symbolic Resonance

The stupa is a ubiquitous presence in the Himalayan Buddhist landscape, dotting the hillsides and adorning monasteries. It is believed to generate positive energy and blessings for all who see it. In ancient times, stupas were erected to enshrine relics of the Buddha or other revered enlightened beings, thereby preserving their spiritual power and teachings. The act of circumambulating a stupa, keeping it to one's right, is a devotional practice that is said to accumulate merit and purify negative karma. This particular stupa, with its opulent golden finish, evokes the grandeur and spiritual potency associated with such sacred monuments, making it a powerful addition to any spiritual practice or devotional space. It serves as a tangible reminder of the ultimate goal of Buddhist practice – the attainment of perfect wisdom and compassion.

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.