Skull (Vishva Vajra and Ashtamangala on Reverse)

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Name: Skull (Vishva Vajra and Ashtamangala on Reverse)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAU80
Price: 440.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$550

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZAU80
	Copper and Metal with inlay
	Height: 5 inch
	Width: 4.5 inch
	Depth: 7 inch
	Weight 600 gm

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Symbol of Transformation and Auspiciousness

This exquisite skull, crafted from copper and metal with intricate inlay work, transcends mere representation to embody profound spiritual and cultural significance. More than just an object of art, it serves as a powerful symbol, drawing upon ancient traditions and sacred iconography. Its striking appearance, adorned with vibrant turquoise, deep red, and iridescent white tiles, along with precious gemstones, immediately captures the eye and invites contemplation.

Echoes of Ancient Wisdom

The skull, in many spiritual traditions, represents the impermanence of life and the cycle of death and rebirth. It is a reminder of the transient nature of worldly existence and a catalyst for detachment from material possessions and ego. In Tibetan Buddhism, skulls, particularly Kapala (skull cups), are used in rituals to symbolize the transcendence of fear and the understanding of emptiness. This piece, with its ornate details, transforms the stark symbolism of mortality into an object of profound beauty and spiritual aspiration, reflecting the Buddhist concept of impermanence as a path to enlightenment.

The Power of the Vishva Vajra and Ashtamangala

The reverse of this piece is adorned with the Vishva Vajra and the Ashtamangala, two potent symbols of auspiciousness and spiritual power. The Vishva Vajra, or double vajra, represents the indestructible nature of enlightenment and the four directions, signifying protection and the stability of the Dharma. It is a symbol of absolute stability and the union of all forces. The Ashtamangala, the eight auspicious symbols, are a collection of sacred emblems that represent various blessings and offerings. These include the endless knot, the lotus flower, the victory banner, the parasol, the conch shell, the treasure vase, the pair of golden fish, and the wheel of dharma. Each symbol carries its own rich meaning, collectively bestowing good fortune, longevity, prosperity, and spiritual wisdom. The presence of these sacred motifs on the reverse of the skull imbues the entire piece with a protective aura and a blessing of good fortune, suggesting that even in the face of mortality, auspiciousness and spiritual well-being can prevail.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

The meticulous craftsmanship evident in this piece is truly remarkable. The base material of copper and metal provides a sturdy foundation for the detailed inlay work. The precise arrangement of countless small, tessellated tiles in shades of turquoise, red, and mother-of-pearl creates a visually stunning mosaic. The carefully placed gemstones, including deep ruby-red and vibrant emerald-green stones, add flashes of color and light, highlighting the intricate patterns. The delicate golden wire accents further enhance the richness and complexity of the design, bringing to life the spiritual symbolism. This is a testament to the skill of the artisans who have brought this meaningful object to life.

A Sacred Adornment for Your Space

This unique piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a focal point for meditation and a source of spiritual inspiration. Whether displayed in a sacred space, a meditation room, or as a statement piece in your home, it invites reflection on life's deeper meanings and the pursuit of spiritual growth. Its compact size makes it versatile for placement, allowing its powerful symbolism to enhance any environment. Embrace the profound artistry and the rich spiritual heritage embedded within this extraordinary creation.

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.