Sculpted
with a riveting artistic perfection, this handmade copper Makara Chopper from
Nepal is inscribed with the potent syllable of Padmasambhava- Om Aa Hum, a
powerful mantra used in meditation, to still one’s mind and body. The chopper
is beautifully embellished with traditional elements and studded with precious
stones which give it a stunning appearance, which is enhanced by the Makara
mouth from which emerges the chopper blade. Makara in Buddhist culture is
visually synonymous with the Dragon, which is a symbol of Enlightenment, while
the Vajra is also a motif used to suggest the powers of pure wisdom, whose
presence in the composition of this chopper makes it a powerful tool for an
ardent follower of Dhamma.
An Emblem of Wisdom and Transcendent Power
This exquisite piece embodies the potent symbolism and masterful artistry of Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Crafted with exceptional detail in Nepal, it features a central form representing a Makara, a mythical creature often depicted as a sea monster or a composite animal, whose presence signifies the overcoming of obstacles and the mastery over the forces of nature. In Buddhist iconography, the Makara is a powerful symbol of aspiration and the journey towards enlightenment, often depicted in tantric imagery as a vehicle for deities or as a guardian of sacred spaces.The Vajra Handle: A Symbol of Unbreakable Resolve
Crowning the Makara is a representation of the Vajra, a ritual object symbolizing a thunderbolt or diamond. In Buddhism, the Vajra signifies invincible strength, spiritual power, and the ultimate truth that is indestructible and eternal. It is often wielded by deities like Vajrapani, the Bodhisattva of power, who embodies the enlightened energy of all Buddhas. The Vajra handle, intricately adorned with vibrant turquoise and carnelian stones, suggests the radiant qualities of wisdom and compassion that cut through illusion and ignorance, just as a diamond cuts through any material. The jewel-toned embellishments amplify the sense of sacredness and the preciousness of spiritual attainment.Craftsmanship and Divine Adornment
The Makara itself is rendered in lustrous copper, meticulously gilded with 24-karat gold, bestowing upon it a radiant and divine aura. The craftsmanship is evident in every sculpted detail, from the fierce yet captivating visage of the Makara, complete with intricate scales and piercing eyes, to the delicate ornamentation of the Vajra. The inclusion of precious stones, such as the striking turquoise and deeper red hues, further elevates its status as a sacred implement. The addition of a clear, crystalline element emerging from the Makara's mouth adds a mystical touch, hinting at the purity of wisdom or a captured essence.Sacred Inscription and Spiritual Significance
The crescent-shaped element at the base of the Makara is inscribed with the sacred syllable "Om Ah Hum" in golden Tibetan script. These three syllables are considered the essence of the enlightened body, speech, and mind of all Buddhas. "Om" represents the primordial sound and the enlightened body; "Ah" signifies the enlightened speech and the emptiness of phenomena; and "Hum" embodies the enlightened mind and the indivisible nature of reality. The presence of this mantra further imbues the artifact with profound spiritual energy, serving as a reminder of the inherent Buddha-nature within all beings and the ultimate goal of spiritual realization. This artifact is not merely an object of beauty but a potent tool for meditation and a tangible representation of the path to liberation.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.
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