Superfine Mahakala Wall Hanging Mask (Tibetan Buddhist) Made in Nepal

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Name: Superfine Mahakala Wall Hanging Mask (Tibetan Buddhist) Made in Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEM685
Price: 1545.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1777

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZEM685
	Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 14.2 inch
	Width: 4 inch
	Depth: 13 inch
	Weight 5 kg

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 Manifestation of Protective Power

This striking mask embodies Mahakala, a wrathful deity revered in Tibetan Buddhism as a fierce protector of the Dharma and a powerful force against obstacles and negative influences. Its commanding presence, rendered in exquisite detail by master artisans in Nepal, serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power of spiritual practice and the ultimate triumph of wisdom over ignorance. The mask is crafted from high-quality copper and meticulously gilded with 24-karat gold, imbuing it with a radiant luster that accentuates its intricate features and spiritual significance.

Symbolism and Iconography

The iconography of Mahakala is rich with symbolism. The ferocious expression, with bared fangs and a protruding tongue, signifies his ability to devour negativity and delusion. The multiple skulls adorning the headdress represent the overcoming of the five-sense delusions and the transformation of ordinary consciousness into wisdom. The third eye, centrally placed on the forehead, symbolizes omnipresent awareness and profound insight. The flames surrounding the mask represent the purifying fire of wisdom, burning away impurities and illusions. The serpents coiled around the neck and ears are often seen as symbols of control over primal energies and the transcending of attachment. Each element is carefully sculpted to convey Mahakala's benevolent yet fearsome nature, embodying the principle that true protection often requires a powerful and unwavering force.

Craftsmanship from the Himalayas

Each mask is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition. The copper casting and subsequent gilding process require immense skill and dedication, passed down through generations of artisans. The meticulous attention to detail, from the texture of the flames to the individual teeth and the swirling patterns on the face, showcases the profound respect and devotion with which these sacred objects are created. The use of pure gold elevates the mask beyond mere decoration, signifying its sacred purpose and its connection to enlightenment. This piece is not just an object of art but a conduit for spiritual energy, designed to inspire awe and reverence in all who behold it.

A Guardian for Your Space

This Mahakala wall hanging mask is more than just a decorative item; it is a powerful symbol of protection and spiritual awareness for your home or meditation space. Its commanding presence can serve as a focal point for contemplation, inviting a sense of inner peace and safeguarding against external disturbances. Whether you are a devoted practitioner of Tibetan Buddhism or simply appreciate the profound beauty and symbolism of Himalayan art, this mask offers a unique opportunity to bring the protective energy of Mahakala into your environment. It stands as a reminder that even in the face of challenges, the light of wisdom and compassion can ultimately prevail.

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.