Prayer
wheels in Tibetan Buddhist culture are a powerful device, used in the process
of chanting the Mantra of one’s protective deity or Guru, to attain an eternal
connection with these sources of pure wisdom. Placed on a meticulously crafted
stand, this Tibetan
Buddhist prayer wheel is made from pure copper and brass and embellished
with potent syllables and exquisite colors, making it a profound and aesthetic
element in any space.
A Sacred Beacon of Serenity
Immerse yourself in the profound peace and spiritual energy of the Himalayas with this exquisite Tibetan Buddhist Monastery Prayer Wheel, meticulously handcrafted in Nepal. This stunning piece is more than just an artifact; it is a conduit for blessings, a symbol of devotion, and a vibrant expression of ancient traditions. Each turn of this wheel is believed to send prayers and mantras out into the world, accumulating merit and purifying negative karma, much like the monks who have practiced this sacred ritual for centuries.
The wheel itself is a vibrant cylinder, painted a deep, auspicious green, a color often associated with growth, vitality, and the Buddha's teachings. Adorning its surface are rows of sacred mantras, rendered in bold, clear script. The most prominent inscription is the universally recognized mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," a powerful invocation of compassion and wisdom attributed to Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. It is said that spinning this mantra wheel is equivalent to reciting the mantra aloud, offering a tangible way to engage with its transformative power. The presence of this mantra is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings and the aspiration for universal happiness.Artistry Rooted in Devotion
The prayer wheel is supported by a beautifully carved wooden base and a decorative top, both painted in rich, dark tones and adorned with colorful, stylized motifs. The upright supports are particularly striking, featuring a layered construction of intricately carved wooden blocks, each painted in a rainbow of vibrant colors. This vibrant palette mirrors the joyous and celebratory spirit often found in Tibetan Buddhist art and festivals, like the Losar festival, which marks the Tibetan New Year. The combination of the deep green cylinder and the multicolored supports creates a visually captivating piece that draws the eye and invites contemplation. The gold trim that encircles the cylinder adds a touch of regal splendor, emphasizing the sacred nature of the object.
This prayer wheel is not merely an object of aesthetic beauty; it is an embodiment of centuries of spiritual practice and artistic heritage. Each component, from the smooth rotation of the cylinder to the precisely applied paint, speaks to the dedication and skill of the artisans who brought it to life. Whether placed in a meditation room, a study, or as a centerpiece in your home, this prayer wheel serves as a constant reminder of the path to enlightenment and the pursuit of inner peace. It is a tangible connection to a rich cultural and spiritual lineage, bringing the blessings of the Himalayas into your everyday life.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.
Upload an Image
