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Return within 7 days of
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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Tibetan Buddhist Incense Burner From Nepal with auspicious Symbols

$121
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZED01
Copper Statue
Height: 3.7 inch
Width: 11.5 inch
Depth: 2.2 inch
Weight 440 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.

Sacred Aromas: A Tibetan Incense Vessel of Auspicious Grace

This exquisite incense burner, crafted in Nepal, is more than just an object of utility; it is a conduit for spiritual ambiance and a testament to Tibetan artistry. Its cylindrical form, reminiscent of the prayer wheels that grace the Himalayan landscapes, is adorned with deeply meaningful auspicious symbols, each imbued with centuries of Buddhist tradition. The rich copper hue, highlighted by intricately applied antique gold-toned metalwork, evokes a sense of ancient reverence and enduring beauty.

Symbolism of Enlightenment and Protection

The vessel is crowned with the

Vajra

, also known as a Dorje, a powerful symbol of indestructibility and spiritual power. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Vajra represents the unbreakable nature of enlightenment and is often depicted in mandalas and ritual objects, signifying the immutability of truth. Flanking this central symbol are two small, stylized

lion figures

. These are known as "Snow Lions," mythical creatures that symbolize fearlessness, power, and the pure teachings of the Buddha. Their presence on this burner suggests a protective aura, guarding the space from negativity while bestowing courage and spiritual clarity.

Whispers of the Eight Auspicious Symbols

The main body of the burner is a tapestry of auspicious motifs. Prominently featured are representations of the

Eight Auspicious Symbols

, known in Sanskrit as the Ashtamangala. These universally recognized symbols are integral to Buddhist practice, signifying various aspects of the path to enlightenment and good fortune. While the specific rendition on this burner may be unique, the presence of these powerful emblems — such as the endless knot, the lotus flower, the conch shell, and the victory banner (though not all may be visible from every angle) — imbues the object with profound spiritual significance. The intricate knotwork, often representing the interconnectedness of all things and the Buddha's teachings, serves as a visual mantra, guiding the mind towards tranquility. The delicate floral patterns interwoven throughout the metalwork further connect to the symbolism of the lotus, representing purity and spiritual awakening from the mud of worldly attachment.

A Vessel for Sacred Ritual

This incense burner is designed to hold and diffuse aromatic incense, traditionally used in Buddhist rituals and meditation to purify the environment, calm the mind, and create a sacred space. The perforated sections allow the fragrant smoke to gently waft out, carrying prayers and intentions into the atmosphere. Whether used for daily meditation, during spiritual ceremonies, or as a striking decorative piece, this copper masterpiece from Nepal offers a tangible connection to the rich spiritual heritage of Tibet, bringing a touch of ancient wisdom and auspicious blessings into your home. Its robust construction and detailed craftsmanship ensure it will be a cherished item for years to come, a silent guardian and a fragrant companion on your spiritual journey.

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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