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Prayer Wheel

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Name: Prayer Wheel
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAL19
Price: 40.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$34.50

$46

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZAL19
	Wood, Brass and Copper Statue
	Height: 5 inch
	Width: 4 inch
	Depth: 2 inch
	Weight 0.12 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 days
	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.

An Emblem of Devotion and Inner Peace

This exquisite prayer wheel is more than just an object; it's a conduit for spiritual contemplation and a tangible representation of ancient Buddhist traditions. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, it embodies the essence of devotion and the pursuit of inner harmony. The substantial wooden base, intricately carved with flowing patterns, provides a grounding presence, reminiscent of the earth from which these sacred objects emerge. Standing upon this stable foundation are four elegantly turned wooden pillars, their dark hue adding a sense of depth and gravity.

The Sacred Cylinder

Crowning this assembly is the heart of the piece: a beautifully constructed prayer cylinder, a harmonious blend of brass and copper. Its surface is adorned with rows of sacred mantras, meticulously etched in a script that evokes the spiritual landscapes of the Himalayas. These inscribed mantras are not merely decorative; they are profound expressions of Buddhist philosophy, often containing the powerful mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," a plea for compassion and wisdom. Within this cylinder, paper scrolls are carefully rolled, imprinted with thousands of these sacred phrases, amplifying the spiritual energy with every turn. The cylinder is further embellished with small, vibrant red stones, suggesting the preciousness of spiritual insight and the blossoming of enlightenment.

Echoes of Ancient Wisdom

The concept of the prayer wheel, or *mani khorlo* in Tibetan, dates back centuries, deeply interwoven with the teachings of Buddhism. Legend has it that the idea was inspired by observing the cyclical nature of the universe and the constant motion of the stars. It is believed that spinning the wheel is equivalent to reciting the mantras inscribed within it. Each rotation is said to accumulate merit, purify negative karma, and generate blessings for oneself and all sentient beings. This practice is a form of active meditation, allowing the practitioner to cultivate mindfulness and a sense of peace while engaging in a physical act of devotion. The wheel's motion symbolizes the turning of the Dharma wheel, an auspicious sign of the Buddha's teachings spreading throughout the world.

A Symbol of Serenity

This prayer wheel, with its traditional craftsmanship and spiritual resonance, serves as a powerful reminder of the path to enlightenment. Whether placed on an altar, a meditation space, or a quiet corner of your home, it invites moments of reflection and serenity. Its presence can help to create an atmosphere conducive to peace, fostering a sense of calm and well-being. As you gently spin the wheel, imagine the ancient prayers being carried on the wind, spreading their benevolent energy and inspiring a deeper connection to the spiritual essence of life. This artifact is not just a decorative item, but a sacred tool that can enrich your spiritual practice and bring a touch of Himalayan wisdom into your daily life.

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.