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.

Tibetan Buddhist Incense-Sticks holder - Made In Nepal

$69
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEL73
Copper, Brass with Inlay
Height: 8.3 inch
Width: 1.2 inch
Depth: 1.2 inch
Weight 140 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 for Tranquil Aromas

This exquisite incense holder, meticulously crafted in Nepal, is more than just a functional item; it is a gateway to the spiritual heart of Tibetan Buddhism. Each piece is a testament to the enduring artistry and profound devotion of its creators, designed to enhance your meditation practice and imbue your space with a sense of peace and sacredness. The cylinder's surface is a vibrant tapestry of color and texture, adorned with intricately inlaid segments of brilliant turquoise and rich red, interspersed with panels of deep blue. These hues are not merely decorative; they hold symbolic meaning in Tibetan traditions. Turquoise is often associated with the sky, the heavens, and the boundless nature of consciousness, while red can symbolize vitality, compassion, and the energy of life.

Embellished with Auspicious Motifs

The vessel is further enriched with finely detailed brass embellishments. At various points around the cylinder, you'll discover depictions of auspicious symbols and mythical figures. Notice the powerful and protective lions, often seen guarding sacred spaces in Buddhist art, their golden forms emerging from the colorful mosaic. These majestic creatures represent strength, courage, and the dispelling of ignorance. The intricate carving and inlay work speak to the dedication involved in its creation, transforming a simple object into a miniature work of art. The central band features raised Tibetan script, rendered in radiant brass, adding a layer of spiritual significance. This sacred calligraphy is often a mantra or blessing, silently imparting its benevolent energy.

A Touch of Myth and Legend

The inclusion of the lion motif subtly references the legendary snow lions of Tibet, mythical beings believed to protect the Buddhist faith and symbolize the triumph of enlightenment over delusion. These protective spirits are often depicted in Thangka paintings and architectural elements of monasteries, embodying purity and spiritual power. Similarly, the vibrant turquoise, a stone revered across many cultures including ancient Persia and the indigenous peoples of the Americas, has long been associated with healing, protection, and good fortune. Its presence here connects this incense holder to a global appreciation for its spiritual and aesthetic qualities, while grounding it firmly within the Himalayan context.

Crafted with Reverence

The base of the holder is capped with a dome-like structure, reminiscent of stupa finials, further connecting it to Buddhist architecture and symbolism. This dome is also adorned with blue inlay, culminating in a vibrant red gem at its apex, like a precious jewel capping a sacred monument. The entire piece is suspended by a delicate yet sturdy metal chain, allowing it to be hung or displayed with ease. This incense holder is not just for practical use; it is an artifact designed to evoke a sense of the sacred, bringing the meditative atmosphere of a Tibetan monastery into your home. It serves as a beautiful and meaningful receptacle for your favorite incense sticks, allowing their fragrant smoke to ascend like prayers, carrying your intentions and fostering an environment of contemplation and peace. Each carefully crafted detail invites you to pause, breathe, and connect with a rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image

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.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy