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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Tibetan Buddhist Endless Knot Prayer Wheel -Made in Nepal

$98
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEM514
Copper and Brass Statue
Height: 5 inch
Width: 2.4 inch
Depth: 3.4 inch
Weight 270 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.

A Sacred Vessel of Auspiciousness

This exquisite prayer wheel, a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of Nepal, embodies the profound symbolism and devotional practices of Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail from copper and brass, it is designed to be a focal point for contemplation and a conduit for blessings. Its compact size makes it an ideal addition to any altar, meditation space, or as a cherished decorative piece in your home. ––––––––––

The Power of the Endless Knot

The foundation of this prayer wheel is adorned with the iconic Endless Knot, also known as the Astamangala, or "Eight Auspicious Symbols." In Buddhist philosophy, the Endless Knot represents the interconnectedness of all things, the union of wisdom and compassion, and the infinite nature of the Buddha's teachings. It is said that the Buddha's wisdom and compassion are as inseparable as the interwoven lines of this sacred symbol. Its presence here signifies that turning the prayer wheel is to engage with these fundamental truths, inviting harmony and spiritual liberation. ––––––––––

Chanting for Enlightenment

The cylindrical body of the prayer wheel is intricately embossed with sacred Tibetan script. Within this vessel, prayers, mantras, and sacred texts are meticulously preserved. Each turn of the wheel is believed to multiply the merit of reciting these prayers, sending blessings and positive energy into the world. The most common mantra found on prayer wheels is "Om Mani Padme Hum," a profound incantation associated with compassion and wisdom, evoking the presence of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. It is believed that by spinning the wheel, one purifies negative karma and accumulates merit, much like a monk who has spent years in devoted recitation. ––––––––––

A Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition

Each prayer wheel is skillfully handcrafted in Nepal, a land that has been a spiritual sanctuary for centuries. The artisans draw upon ancient techniques passed down through generations, imbuing each piece with a sense of sacredness and reverence. The combination of copper and brass not only provides a beautiful aesthetic but also holds symbolic significance, representing the balance of different energetic qualities. The warm, rich tones of the metals evoke a sense of timelessness and enduring faith. This prayer wheel is more than just an object; it is a tangible connection to a lineage of devoted practitioners and a symbol of the ongoing quest for inner peace and enlightenment.

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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