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Return within 7 days of
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Fully Insured
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100% Handmade
100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Tibetan Ritual Buddhist Vase

$194.25
$259
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZAY70
Copper with Inlay
Height: 6.5 inch
Width: 5.5 inch
Depth: 5.5 inch
Weight 400 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.

A Vessel of Sacred Significance

This exquisite ritual vase is a testament to the rich artistic heritage and profound spiritual traditions of Tibet. Crafted from durable copper and adorned with intricate inlay work, it embodies the beauty and devotion inherent in Buddhist practices. The vibrant mosaic of turquoise, coral red, and lapis lazuli, meticulously arranged, evokes the celestial realms and the preciousness of spiritual attainment. Each stone, a gift from the earth, is believed to carry its own unique energies, contributing to the sacred aura of the piece. The form of the vase itself is significant. Its rounded body, reminiscent of the cosmic egg or the womb from which all creation emerges, suggests wholeness and potential. The tiered lid, culminating in a finial, can be interpreted as representing the stages of enlightenment or the ascent towards the divine. The golden accents, reminiscent of sunbeams or divine light, weave through the patterns, adding a touch of opulence and symbolizing the illumination of wisdom.

Echoes of Ancient Wisdom

In Tibetan Buddhism, ritualistic objects like this vase are not mere decorations but vital instruments for meditation, prayer, and the accumulation of merit. They serve as focal points for devotion, helping practitioners to concentrate their minds and connect with the sacred. The colors themselves hold deep meaning: turquoise is associated with the sky and the throat chakra, facilitating clear communication and spiritual insight; coral red symbolizes life force, vitality, and compassion; and lapis lazuli, a stone revered since antiquity for its connection to wisdom and the heavens, often represents the Buddha's enlightened mind. The practice of inlaying precious stones into metalwork has ancient roots, stretching back to the creation of sacred artifacts in various cultures. In Tibet, this art form reached a pinnacle of refinement, with artisans drawing inspiration from the natural beauty of the Himalayas and the profound philosophy of their faith. Such objects are often used in monasteries and temples during ceremonies, offerings, and empowerments, serving as tangible links to the lineage of teachings and the blessings of enlightened beings. The very act of creating and beholding such a piece is considered a form of spiritual practice, fostering mindfulness and cultivating a sense of reverence.

An Object of Enduring Beauty and Devotion

This ritual vase is more than just a decorative item; it is a conduit for spiritual energy and a symbol of profound artistic skill. Whether placed on an altar for daily practice, used in specific rituals, or displayed as a piece of art that inspires contemplation, it carries with it the echoes of ancient chants, the scent of incense, and the quiet dedication of generations of practitioners. Its compact size makes it a versatile addition to any sacred space, a personal reminder of the path to enlightenment and the enduring beauty of the Dharma. Own a piece of Tibetan spiritual artistry, and invite its serene energy into your home.

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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