Tibetan Buddhist Garuda Mask With Long Horns - Made in Nepal

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Name: Tibetan Buddhist Garuda Mask With Long Horns - Made in Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZEN131
Price: 225.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$194.25

$259

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZEN131
	Copper Statue From Nepal
	Height: 7 inch
	Width: 2.5 inch
	Depth: 10 inch
	Weight 600 gm

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.

Embodiment of Divine Power and Protection

This magnificent copper mask, meticulously crafted in Nepal, brings the formidable presence of the Garuda, a celestial bird-like creature revered in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, into your space. With its striking long horns and fierce countenance, this mask is more than just a decorative object; it is a potent symbol of protection, power, and spiritual vigilance. The Garuda, often depicted as the king of birds and the sworn enemy of serpents, embodies the cosmic struggle against negativity and ignorance. It is said to be the mount of Lord Vishnu in Hinduism and plays a significant role in Mahayana Buddhism, where it is seen as a protector of Dharma.

Artistry of the Himalayas

The craftsmanship evident in this mask speaks to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, a land where sacred art has been passed down through generations. Each detail, from the intricate swirling patterns to the sharp, aquiline features, has been hammered and shaped from solid copper by skilled artisans. The dark, aged patina, contrasted with the subtle gleam of the metal, adds depth and character, hinting at ancient rituals and enduring spiritual practices. The flowing, flame-like mane that crowns the Garuda's head symbolizes wisdom and spiritual illumination, burning away all obstacles on the path to enlightenment.

Symbolism of the Garuda

In Buddhist cosmology, the Garuda is a powerful protector against suffering and malevolent forces. It is believed to possess the ability to overcome illusions and negative energies, offering its devotees a shield of spiritual defense. The image of the Garuda battling serpents is a profound metaphor for the enlightened mind overcoming the ignorance and delusions of the ego, often symbolized by snakes. Its piercing gaze and formidable horns signify its unwavering strength and the fierce compassion it holds for all beings striving towards liberation. This mask captures that intensity, making it a powerful addition to any altar, meditation space, or as a commanding presence in your home.

A Guardian for Your Sanctuary

This Garuda mask serves as a powerful reminder of the protective energies that surround us. Its commanding presence can inspire courage, clarity, and a sense of security. Whether you are a practitioner of Buddhist traditions or simply appreciate the profound symbolism and exquisite artistry, this mask offers a tangible connection to ancient wisdom and the benevolent forces that guard the spiritual path. It is a testament to the enduring power of symbols to inspire, protect, and elevate the 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.

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.