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Fully Insured
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100% Handmade
100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Phurpa cum Chopper

$69
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
EB80
Copper with Gemstones
Height: 6 inch
Width: 2.5 inch
Weight 110 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.
Delve into the intricate craftsmanship and profound symbolism of this ritual implement. Handcrafted from copper and adorned with meticulously placed gemstones, this piece stands as a miniature testament to potent spiritual practices. Ideal for personal altars, meditation spaces, or as a unique addition to a collection of sacred art, this object embodies the power and artistry of Himalayan Buddhist traditions.

A Symbol of Transformation

This meticulously crafted ritual tool merges the symbolism of a Phurba, a three-sided peg or dagger, with aspects reminiscent of a chopper or axe. The Phurba, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism, is far more than a mere object; it's a conduit for transformative energy. It's used in rituals to dispel negativity, sever attachments, and transmute obstacles into opportunities for spiritual growth. Imagine the ancient shaman wielding the Phurba, piercing the earth to bind demons and create sacred space. It represents the piercing of illusion, the cutting through of ignorance that binds us to suffering. The three-sided blade of the Phurba is rich with meaning. Commonly, each side represents the three poisons: ignorance, greed, and hatred. By using the Phurba in ritual, one symbolically overcomes these destructive forces. The handle of the Phurba often features faces of deities, further amplifying its protective and transformative powers.

Guardians and Gemstones

The copper body is embellished with gemstones, each adding its own layer of meaning and energy to the object. The mosaic of turquoise, often associated with the sky and healing energies, is particularly striking. Turquoise represents prosperity, good fortune, and protection from negative influences. Its presence evokes the vast expanse of the heavens and a sense of profound connection to the divine. Copper itself, often associated with healing and conductivity, grounds the energies and provides a stable foundation. The additional "chopper" elements, such as the axe-like blade, amplifies the destructive aspects of the implement. It references the act of decisively cutting through obstacles and defilements, leaving a clear path forward.

A Miniature Masterpiece

Measuring 6.0 x 2.5 x 0.0 inches, this small-sized statue invites contemplation. The details are surprisingly rich, despite its compact size. Hold it in your hands and feel the weight of copper and gemstones, and contemplate the meaning of the phurba. The skillful use of materials and forms makes it an ideal piece for those who value authentic spiritual tools and beautiful artistry. It stands as a potent reminder of the inner strength and ability to overcome challenges on the path to enlightenment.

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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