Tibetan Buddhist Ashtamangala Monastery Kettle

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: Tibetan Buddhist Ashtamangala Monastery Kettle
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZAY55
Price: 550.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$633

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZAY55
	Copper with Inlay
	Height: 8 inch
	Width: 11.5 inch
	Depth: 7.5 inch
	Weight 1 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 Vessel of Sacred Symbolism and Artistic Mastery

This exquisite kettle is more than just a functional object; it is a meticulously crafted piece of art imbued with deep spiritual and cultural significance. Drawing inspiration from Tibetan Buddhist traditions, it serves as a powerful reminder of the profound path to enlightenment and the universal principles that guide it. The entire piece is an embodiment of the Ashtamangala, the eight auspicious symbols that are central to Buddhist iconography. Each symbol, when considered individually, carries a rich narrative, and together they form a tapestry of good fortune and spiritual well-being. The craftsmanship is evident in every detail. Fashioned from durable copper, the kettle's surface is a vibrant mosaic of meticulously inlaid stones. Shades of turquoise, red, and blue create a visually stunning effect, reminiscent of the jewels that adorn sacred temples and mandalas. The intricate patterns and the precise placement of each stone speak to the skill and dedication of the artisans who brought this piece to life. The smooth curves of the spout and handle, coupled with the ornate design of the lid, contribute to its elegant and timeless appeal. This is not merely a decorative item; it is a testament to a rich artistic heritage, where beauty and spiritual meaning are inextricably linked.

The Auspicious Eight and Their Profound Meanings

The Ashtamangala, or the eight auspicious symbols, are deeply woven into the fabric of Tibetan Buddhism and are often found in art, religious ceremonies, and as talismans. This kettle proudly displays these symbols, each representing a facet of the Buddha's enlightenment and the path to liberation. The Conch Shell, for instance, symbolizes the far-reaching proclamation of the Dharma, its sound awakening sentient beings from the slumber of ignorance. The Endless Knot represents the Buddha's eternal wisdom and compassion, an intricate weave with no beginning or end, signifying interdependence. The Victory Banner signifies the triumph of the Buddha's teachings over ignorance and suffering. The Dharma Chakra, or Wheel of Dharma, symbolizes the teachings of the Buddha and the path to enlightenment. The Lotus Flower, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, blooms unstained by the muddy waters from which it grows. The Parasol signifies protection from suffering and the elements, a symbol of royal authority and spiritual dominion. The Two Golden Fish represent the freedom and joy of spiritual liberation, swimming fearlessly in the ocean of samsara. Finally, the Treasure Vase, filled with boundless treasures, symbolizes spiritual abundance and the fulfillment of all wishes.

A Confluence of Tradition and Aesthetics

This monastery kettle transcends its utilitarian purpose to become a profound symbol of spiritual devotion and artistic excellence. Its presence evokes the serene atmosphere of ancient Tibetan monasteries, where contemplation and ritual are integral to daily life. Imagine the steam gently rising from this vessel, carrying with it the aroma of sacred incense or herbal teas, fostering an environment of peace and mindfulness. Whether displayed in a meditation room, a study, or as a statement piece in a living area, this kettle serves as a constant reminder of the enduring values of compassion, wisdom, and spiritual progress. It is a piece that invites reflection, a tangible connection to a rich cultural legacy, and a source of beauty and inspiration for all who behold it.

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.