Tibetan Buddhist Kirtimukha Belt Buckle - Made in Nepal

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Name: Tibetan Buddhist Kirtimukha Belt Buckle - Made in Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZDX66
Price: 105.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$121

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZDX66
	Brass and Copper
	Height: 2.7 inch
	Width: 2.7 inch
	Depth: 1 inch
	Weight 110 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.

Embrace Auspicious Power: The Kirtimukha Belt Buckle

Adorn yourself with a symbol of ancient protection and auspicious energy. This exquisite belt buckle, meticulously crafted in Nepal from a rich blend of brass and copper, features the commanding visage of Kirtimukha, a legendary guardian in Tibetan Buddhist iconography. More than just an accessory, this buckle is a wearable piece of art steeped in deep cultural and mythological significance. The Kirtimukha, meaning "Face of Glory," is a powerful motif often depicted as a fearsome, leonine face. Its origins are rooted in ancient myths, where it is said to represent the face of a monster that devoured everything, including itself, until it was appeased by the gods and transformed into a protective entity. It is believed to ward off evil spirits, ill fortune, and negative influences, embodying a potent force that consumes negativity and radiates positive blessings. In Tibetan Buddhism, Kirtimukha is often seen adorning temple entrances, thangkas, and ritual objects, serving as a vigilant protector of sacred spaces and practitioners. ––––––––––

Artistry and Sacred Symbolism

The craftsmanship of this Kirtimukha belt buckle is evident in every detail. The raised design, rendered in gleaming brass against a darkened copper background, highlights the intricate features of the deity. The fierce eyes, the powerful jaws, and the flowing mane are all rendered with a masterful hand, conveying both menace and majesty. The surrounding border, with its repeating patterns, adds a sense of regal ornamentation. This piece reflects the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, a region renowned for its skilled artisans who have long been influenced by the spiritual and aesthetic currents of Tibetan Buddhism. Owning this buckle is to connect with centuries of artistic heritage and profound spiritual symbolism. ––––––––––

A Statement of Strength and Spirituality

This Kirtimukha belt buckle is not merely functional; it is a statement of personal strength, resilience, and spiritual awareness. Whether worn as a daily adornment or saved for special occasions, it carries a powerful aura. The weight and feel of the brass and copper construction speak of quality and durability, ensuring this piece will be a cherished possession for years to come. It serves as a constant reminder of the protective forces that surround us and the inherent power that lies within. It is a unique piece that will undoubtedly spark conversations and draw admiration, offering a subtle yet profound connection to the spiritual heart of the Himalayas.

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.