OM (AUM) Ritual Bowl

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Name: OM (AUM) Ritual Bowl
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XK04
Price: 65.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$75

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	XK04
	Brass and Copper
	Height: 2.4 inch
	Width: 4.3 inch
	Depth: 4.3 inch
	Weight 190 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.

Sacred Vessel

This meticulously crafted bowl serves as a beautiful object and a valuable tool for spiritual practice. Constructed from a blend of brass and copper, this piece embodies the rich aesthetic traditions of Himalayan artistry. The exterior showcases a mosaic of vibrant turquoise-colored tiles, interspersed with delicate circular accents of red, all set against a dark background, creating a compelling visual texture that draws the eye and invites contemplation. A golden depiction of the sacred symbol adorns the bowl's surface. This symbol is revered across various Dharmic traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, as the primal sound of creation. It represents the vibration from which all existence emanates, encompassing the past, present, and future. Its presence on this bowl serves as a constant reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.

AUM: The Sound of Creation

In Hindu cosmology, AUM is considered the first sound to emerge from the silence of the unmanifest. It is often chanted at the beginning and end of prayers and mantras, acting as a bridge between the material and the spiritual realms. Each syllable of AUM - A, U, and M - holds profound symbolic meaning. A represents the waking state of consciousness, U represents the dreaming state, and M represents the deep sleep state. The silence that follows the chanting of AUM represents the transcendental state beyond all three – a state of pure consciousness and bliss. The inclusion of this sacred symbol on the bowl elevates its purpose beyond mere decoration. It transforms the bowl into a tool that encourages mindfulness, and introspection.

Ritual and Reflection

This bowl can be used in a multitude of ways to enhance one’s spiritual practice. It can hold offerings of water, flowers, or incense during rituals and ceremonies. Its presence can invoke a sense of serenity and sacredness in any space, making it a perfect addition to an altar or meditation area. The intricate details and powerful symbolism can serve as a focal point for contemplation, aiding in concentration and deepening one's connection to the divine. Whether used for elaborate ceremonies or quiet, personal reflection, this bowl serves as a tangible link to ancient traditions and timeless spiritual truths. It is a piece to be cherished for its beauty and its power to inspire inner peace and harmony.

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.