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Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
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to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Prayer Wheel with Stand

$161
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZBK75
Brass and Copper
Height: 4.5 inch
Width: 3 inch
Depth: 1.5 inch
Weight 260 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.

Sacred Symbolism in Brass and Copper

This exquisite piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a tangible representation of spiritual devotion and a conduit for positive energy. Crafted from a harmonious blend of brass and copper, it embodies the reverence and tradition associated with Tibetan Buddhism. The meticulous attention to detail, from the ornate stand to the intricately inscribed prayer cylinder, speaks to a deep understanding of sacred artistry. The dual metallic composition, brass for its enduring strength and copper for its conductivity, imbues the object with both a grounded presence and a spiritual vibrance.

Embodying Auspiciousness and Protection

The design of this prayer wheel stand is rich with symbolism. Atop the canopy, two gracefully rendered canine figures are poised. These are not mere decorative embellishments but are believed to represent the

White Tara

or sometimes

Lion Dogs

, protectors against malevolent forces and symbols of auspiciousness. Their vigilant posture suggests a constant watchfulness, warding off negativity and inviting blessings. The layered, spire-like finial at the very apex further enhances the spiritual resonance, echoing the architectural motifs found in Buddhist stupas and temples, signifying enlightenment and spiritual ascent. The central prayer cylinder itself is adorned with sacred mantras, the turning of which is understood to send these powerful invocations out into the universe, purifying negative karma and accumulating merit for the practitioner and all sentient beings.

A Legacy of Devotion

Prayer wheels are a profound element of Tibetan Buddhist practice. Legend has it that the concept of the prayer wheel originated with

Nagarjuna

, a revered Buddhist philosopher, who saw a woman spinning a prayer wheel and was inspired by the idea that a person could accumulate merit and wisdom simply by turning the wheel, even without the physical ability to meditate or recite mantras. This belief underscores the powerful efficacy attributed to these sacred instruments. Each turn of the wheel is equivalent to reciting the mantras contained within, offering a means for all individuals, regardless of their physical capabilities, to engage in spiritual practice and accrue spiritual benefits. This finely crafted piece allows for the integration of this ancient practice into your personal space, serving as a constant reminder of the path towards peace and enlightenment. Its compact size makes it ideal for placement on a desk, altar, or bookshelf, bringing a touch of sacred art and spiritual energy to any environment.

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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