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

Tibetan Buddhist Incense Burner

$339
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZBS80
Copper
Height: 5.5 inch
Width: 14.5 inch
Depth: 3.5 inch
Weight 600 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 Vessel of Serenity and Sacred Aroma

This exquisite incense burner, crafted from durable copper, is more than just a decorative piece; it is a gateway to tranquility and a conduit for sacred fragrance. Its rectangular form, elevated on a beautifully detailed base, evokes a sense of grounded elegance. The intricate openwork of the lid, adorned with delicate floral motifs and crowned with a symbolic finial, allows the fragrant smoke to ascend like prayers reaching the heavens. Two small, stylized deer figures flank the pinnacle, perhaps representing the deer from the Deer Park at Sarnath, where Buddha first taught the Dharma.

Echoes of Himalayan Tradition

The body of the burner is a canvas of profound symbolism. A decorative band of Greek key patterns, known as a meander, circles the upper edge, signifying eternity and the endless flow of the universe. Below this, a row of intricately embossed figures commands attention. These are often interpreted as representations of Dharmapalas, wrathful deities in Tibetan Buddhism who protect the Dharma. Their fierce yet protective visages suggest a force that dispels negativity and safeguards spiritual practice. The inclusion of the Endless Knot, a prominent symbol of Buddhist teachings representing the interconnectedness of all things and the wisdom of the Buddha, further deepens the spiritual resonance of this piece.

Craftsmanship and Cultural Significance

This burner is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Tibetan craftsmanship. The skilled artisans have meticulously shaped and embellished the copper, creating a piece that is both visually stunning and spiritually significant. In Tibetan culture, incense burning is an integral part of religious rituals, meditation, and daily life. It is believed to purify the environment, calm the mind, and create an auspicious atmosphere. The fragrant smoke is often seen as an offering to the deities and a means of connecting with the spiritual realm. The use of copper, a metal with its own auspicious connotations in many cultures, adds another layer of value and intention to this sacred vessel.

An Invocation for Peace and Reflection

Imagine the gentle tendrils of fragrant smoke rising from this burner, filling your space with an aroma that soothes the mind and uplifts the spirit. Whether used for meditation, prayer, or simply to create a peaceful ambiance, this Tibetan incense burner serves as a constant reminder of the beauty and depth of spiritual practice. Its presence can transform any room into a sanctuary, inviting contemplation and inner peace. It is a piece that not only adorns but also enriches, a tangible connection to ancient traditions and enduring wisdom. Its presence is an invitation to slow down, breathe deeply, and embrace the serenity it so beautifully embodies.

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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