Prayer Wheels

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Name: Prayer Wheels
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAK42
Price: 100.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$115

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZAK42
	Wood, Brass and Copper Statue
	Height: 4.6 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 2 inch
	Weight 300 gm

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.

A Gateway to Mantra

This meticulously crafted piece serves as a visual and spiritual reminder of the power of intention and the continuous cycle of Dharma. The design features three meticulously etched drums made of brass and copper, each intended to hold within it a scroll containing a mantra – a sacred syllable, word, or phrase. In Tibetan Buddhism, the most commonly used mantra is "Om Mani Padme Hum," embodying compassion and the path to enlightenment. The act of turning the wheel is believed to be equivalent to reciting the mantra countless times, accumulating merit and dispelling negativity. The prayer wheels are suspended within a frame constructed of richly textured wood, adding an earthy element to the piece's overall aesthetic. The dark wood provides a striking contrast to the metallic sheen of the wheels, drawing the eye and encouraging contemplation. The rhythmic turning of the wheels becomes a physical manifestation of the flowing prayers, transforming your space into a sanctuary of peace.

Cultural Significance and The Realm of Deities

Within Tibetan culture, prayer wheels are much more than decorative objects. They are deeply revered and integrated into daily life, found in monasteries, temples, and even private homes. The tradition is rooted in the belief that the sound and intention behind the mantra have the power to purify karma, generate positive energy, and connect the individual with the divine. The use of prayer wheels is said to have originated with the great Buddhist master Nagarjuna, who, according to legend, was inspired by the actions of the Nagas, serpent-like beings who possessed great wisdom and were said to turn the Dharma wheel beneath the ocean. This association adds another layer of depth to the symbolism of the prayer wheel, connecting it not only to the earthly realm but also to the hidden realms of deities and powerful spiritual forces. Imagine the legacy imbued in each spin of these wheels, a link to centuries of devotion and a connection to the very heart of Buddhist philosophy. Whether placed on a mantelpiece, shelf, or altar, this evocative object serves as a constant reminder of the potential for inner peace and the boundless compassion that lies within us all. Its enduring appeal lies not only in its beautiful craftsmanship but in its profound spiritual significance, transforming any space into a haven of tranquility and contemplation.

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.