The Prayer Wheel (cho-kor or khorten)

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Name: The Prayer Wheel (cho-kor or khorten)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAE67
Price: 280.00 USD
Availability: InStock

SG$418

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZAE67
	Copper Statue
	Height: 7 inch
	Width: 4.7 inch
	Depth: 4.7 inch
	Weight 650 gm

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 Vehicle for Compassion

The practice of using prayer wheels is a beautiful expression of Tibetan Buddhist devotion. Known as "cho-kor" in Tibetan, or sometimes "khorten," these sacred objects serve as a physical manifestation of mantra recitation, a means of accumulating wisdom and merit. Within each wheel, countless repetitions of mantras are carefully placed. The most common mantra contained within is "Om Mani Padme Hum," the mantra of Avalokiteśvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. Spinning the wheel is believed to have the same merit as reciting the prayers aloud. This ingenious device allows one to accumulate vast amounts of positive karma with each revolution, purifying negativity and benefiting all sentient beings. Traditionally, the wheels are spun clockwise, following the movement of the sun across the sky, symbolizing the turning of the Dharma wheel. The prayer wheel embodies the essence of compassion and skillful means, providing a tangible way for individuals to engage in spiritual practice, whether or not they have the time or ability for extended periods of meditation or chanting. It is a gentle reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the power of intention.

Crafted with Devotion

This exquisite piece is meticulously crafted from copper, offering a rich, warm tone that evokes a sense of timeless beauty. The copper itself is symbolic, associated with healing and energy flow. The intricate detailing evident throughout its construction is a testament to the artistry and dedication involved in creating such a sacred object. Notice the delicate patterns adorning the structure, and the carefully inscribed mantras on each individual wheel. The craftsmanship reflects a deep understanding of Buddhist principles and a commitment to creating an object worthy of reverence. This statue makes a beautiful addition to any altar, meditation space, or living area. Its presence serves as a constant reminder to cultivate compassion, practice mindfulness, and dedicate oneself to the well-being of others. The peaceful energy emanating from the prayer wheel creates a serene and harmonious atmosphere, inviting contemplation and inner peace. It is not merely an object of decoration but rather a powerful tool for spiritual transformation.

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.