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Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
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to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Tibetan Buddhist Ashtamangala Incense Burner

฿1842
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEL21
Copper and Brass Statue
Height: 3.1 inch
Width: 5 inch
Depth: 5.5 inch
Weight 140 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.

An Emblem of Auspiciousness and Purification

This exquisite incense burner is more than just a vessel for fragrant smoke; it is a tangible embodiment of profound spiritual significance, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Crafted from a harmonious blend of copper and brass, its detailed design evokes a sense of ancient artistry and sacred purpose. The intricate motifs adorning its surface are not merely decorative but represent the Ashtamangala, the eight auspicious symbols that hold immense power and meaning in Buddhist cosmology. The Ashtamangala are often depicted together as a sacred ensemble, each symbol carrying its own profound message and narrative. These include the auspicious conch shell, symbolizing the proclamation of the Dharma; the endless knot, representing the interconnectedness of all things and the union of wisdom and compassion; the victory banner, signifying the triumph of Buddhist teachings over ignorance and suffering; the precious umbrella, offering protection from harmful forces; the lotus flower, a symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and freedom from worldly defilements; the pair of golden fish, representing freedom from fear and the ability to traverse the ocean of suffering; the treasure vase, symbolizing inexhaustible spiritual and material wealth; and the wheel of Dharma, representing the Noble Eightfold Path and the teachings of the Buddha. The presence of these symbols on the burner imbues it with their collective blessings, transforming it into a focal point for meditation and ritual.

A Sanctuary for Sacred Aromas

The very act of burning incense in Buddhist traditions is a practice of purification, offering, and the creation of a serene atmosphere conducive to spiritual endeavors. The fragrant smoke is believed to purify the environment, clearing away negative energies and creating a sacred space for contemplation and prayer. It is also seen as an offering to the Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and other enlightened beings, an expression of devotion and gratitude. This incense burner, with its symbolic richness, elevates this practice, making each moment of fragrant release a deeper engagement with the spiritual path. The detailed craftsmanship, from the lotus-petal-like base to the intricately designed central chamber where the incense is placed, speaks to a dedication to beauty and spiritual resonance. The combination of dark metalwork with accents of polished brass creates a visually striking piece that is both understated and captivating. The small size of the burner makes it suitable for placement on altars, meditation spaces, or any area where one seeks to cultivate peace and mindfulness. It serves as a gentle reminder of the profound teachings of Buddhism, inviting moments of reflection and connection to the sacred. Whether used in formal practice or simply to bring a sense of tranquility to everyday life, this Ashtamangala incense burner is a testament to the enduring power of art and spirituality to inspire and uplift the human spirit.

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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