Skull Cup with Lid and Base

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Name: Skull Cup with Lid and Base
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EX33
Price: 185.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$213

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	EX33
	Brass and Copper Sculpture
	Height: 6.5 inch
	Width: 3.9 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 210 gm

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Symbolism and Artistry

This distinctive sculpture is more than just an object; it's a visual representation of powerful spiritual concepts deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The intricate design, crafted from brass and copper, speaks volumes about the beliefs and rituals associated with mortality and transformation. Standing at 6.5 inches tall with a width of 3.9 inches and depth of 3.0 inches, this piece is designed to be a commanding yet manageable presence in any space. The brass provides a rich, enduring golden hue to much of the sculpture, while the copper offers subtle reddish tones that add depth to the details. The main body appears to be a silver/metallic color. At its heart lies the symbolism of impermanence. The skull itself serves as a potent reminder of the transient nature of life, a central tenet in Buddhist philosophy. It encourages reflection on mortality and the importance of living in the present moment. Through contemplation of death, one can attain a profound appreciation for life.

The Kapala and its Significance

The vessel shape is a deliberate reference to the *kapala*, a ritual implement fashioned from a human skull. The *kapala* is most frequently associated with esoteric Buddhist practices, particularly those of Tantric traditions. It's used symbolically to contain offerings, often representing the wrathful deities' consumption of negative energies or obstacles. The presence of a lid and base adds layers of meaning, creating a self-contained sacred space. The ornateness of the lid suggests abundance and reverence, while the sturdy base speaks to stability and groundedness. Mythological tales abound with references to wrathful deities employing *kapalas*. These deities, often fierce in appearance, are seen as protectors who fiercely defend the Dharma (Buddhist teachings). They use seemingly gruesome methods to eradicate obstacles and purify negativity, thereby leading practitioners towards enlightenment. Stories recount how these deities collect the blood and organs of ego-driven enemies into the skull cup, symbolically transforming negativity into wisdom. The intricate carvings on this statue's base and around the bowl's base appear to depict such symbolism, adding to the object's esoteric power. Display this sculpture in a meditation space, study, or any area where contemplation and introspection are desired. It serves as a striking conversation piece and a constant reminder of the profound wisdom embedded in the teachings of Buddhism.

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.