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Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
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Fully Insured
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100% Handmade
100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Tibetan Buddhist Monastery Trumpet

$328
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZBL93
Copper
Height: 12.5 inch
Width: 4 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 300 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.

Echoes of the Himalayas: The Sacred Buddhist Trumpet

This exquisite copper artifact carries the resonant spirit of Tibetan Buddhist tradition. More than just a musical instrument, it is a conduit for spiritual invocation, a vessel for sacred sounds that have echoed through ancient monasteries for centuries. Crafted from rich copper, its surface bears the patina of time and devotion, suggesting a lineage steeped in spiritual practice and artistic mastery. The trumpet’s form is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship. Intricate carvings adorn its length, each detail whispering tales of devotion and the cosmos. The flared bell, designed to project its powerful sound, is embellished with ornate patterns that draw the eye and stir the soul. Around its midsection, stylized motifs interlace, enhanced by the subtle gleam of inlaid semi-precious stones, red and turquoise, evoking the vibrancy of prayer flags and the preciousness of enlightenment. The upper portion, tapering towards the mouthpiece, features finely etched designs, possibly representing auspicious symbols or scenes from Buddhist lore. The sound produced by such instruments, known as the Dungchen, is central to Tibetan Buddhist rituals and ceremonies. These deep, sonorous tones are believed to purify the atmosphere, dispel negative energies, and awaken the spiritual consciousness of practitioners and listeners alike. In the high altitudes of the Himalayas, the powerful vibrations of the Dungchen can travel for miles, announcing important ceremonies, guiding meditations, and marking moments of profound spiritual significance. Legends speak of these trumpets being played by celestial beings, or used by ancient yogis to communicate with deities and influence the elements. The act of playing the Dungchen is not merely a musical performance; it is a form of prayer and meditation. The player’s breath becomes an offering, and the resulting sound a manifestation of inner peace and wisdom. The material itself, copper, has been revered for its conductive properties and its association with healing and purification in many ancient cultures. This particular piece, with its detailed ornamentation and evident age, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of Tibetan Buddhism. It is a tangible connection to a spiritual heritage that emphasizes mindfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Whether displayed as a piece of sacred art or contemplated for its profound cultural significance, this copper Buddhist trumpet offers a unique opportunity to bring a touch of Himalayan spirituality and ancient resonance into your space.

A Legacy of Sound and Spirit

The Dungchen's history is intertwined with the very fabric of Tibetan monastic life. They are integral to the grand processions and elaborate pujas that define the spiritual calendar. Imagine the solemnity of a dawn ceremony, the crisp mountain air filled with the deep, resonating hum of the Dungchen, its sound cutting through the silence and calling monks to prayer. It is said that the sound of the Dungchen can awaken dormant spiritual energies within the listener, prompting introspection and a deeper connection to the divine. In Buddhist cosmology, sounds play a significant role, and the Dungchen's voice is considered a powerful amplifier of intentions and mantras. The intricate carvings on this piece further enhance its spiritual aura, potentially depicting the Eight Auspicious Symbols, the Four Guardian Kings, or other sacred imagery that imbues the instrument with protective and blessings qualities. This artifact is not just an object; it is a storyteller, a spiritual tool, and a beautiful piece of art, carrying the profound echoes of a rich and ancient tradition.

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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