Palden Lhamo

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: Palden Lhamo
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZO68
Price: 470.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$588

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZO68
	Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 11 inch
	Width: 8 inch
	Depth: 3.6 inch
	Weight 7 kg

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.

Behold the formidable presence of a revered protector with this stunning sculpture, a testament to the exquisite artistry of Nepalese craftsmanship. This striking figure, richly detailed and imbued with potent symbolism, is more than just a decorative object; it's an embodiment of power, compassion, and the fierce protection offered to devotees.

Symbolism and Iconography

The sculpture depicts a powerful Dharma protector, mounted upon a mule, amidst a sea of swirling flames. Each element within the iconography holds deep significance. The flames symbolize the transformative power of wisdom, burning away ignorance and negativity. The mule, often depicted with an eye on its flank, represents unwavering vigilance and swift action against adversity. The deity is adorned with skull ornaments, a reminder of the impermanence of life and the cycle of death and rebirth. In one hand, a kapala (skull cup) is held, representing the transformation of negative emotions into wisdom. The sword raised in the other hand symbolizes the cutting away of ignorance and delusion. The third eye on the forehead represents the all-seeing wisdom that penetrates illusion.

Artisanal Excellence: Copper and Gold

This magnificent sculpture is meticulously crafted from copper, a metal revered for its conductivity and durability. Skilled artisans have painstakingly shaped and detailed the figure, capturing the dynamic posture and intense gaze of the deity. To enhance its radiance and sacredness, the sculpture is gilded with 24 Karat gold, lending it an ethereal glow and an aura of timeless beauty. This gilding process, passed down through generations of artisans, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Nepalese metalworking traditions. The copper sculpture, standing at 11 inches tall, 8 inches wide, and 3.6 inches in depth, commands attention with its impressive size and intricate details. Whether displayed in a personal shrine, meditation room, or as a centerpiece in your home, this sculpture will serve as a powerful reminder of inner strength, protection, and the path to enlightenment. Placing this sacred image in your home is believed to invoke blessings, dispel negativity, and create an atmosphere of 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.