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

Tibetan Buddhist Om Mani Padme Hum Prayer Wheel (Made in Nepal)

CHF141
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZAZ17
Copper, Brass with Inlay and Filigree Work
Height: 7.9 inch
Width: 3.5 inch
Depth: 3.5 inch
Weight 560 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 Artifact of Peace and Enlightenment

This exquisite Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel is more than just a beautiful object; it is a powerful tool for spiritual practice and a symbol of deep cultural heritage. Handcrafted in Nepal by skilled artisans, its intricate design and rich materials evoke a sense of profound peace and devotion. The cylindrical body is adorned with the sacred mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" in a striking gold inlay against a vibrant backdrop of meticulously cut and set turquoise. This mantra, central to Tibetan Buddhism, is believed to embody the essence of compassion and wisdom, offering a path to purification and spiritual awakening. ––––––––––

Masterful Craftsmanship and Symbolism

The prayer wheel stands proudly on an ornate, antique-finished brass stand, its form reminiscent of the mythical sea creatures that guard sacred treasures. The copper and brass construction is further enhanced by stunning inlay and filigree work. The dome-shaped top, crowned with a turquoise finial, is decorated with a repeating pattern of teardrop shapes filled with red, blue, and green stones, separated by delicate golden latticework. These colors hold significant meaning in Buddhist cosmology: red represents passion, blue for clarity, and green for spiritual energy. The use of turquoise, a stone associated with protection and wisdom, adds another layer of spiritual significance to this sacred artifact. The very act of spinning this wheel is said to transmit the blessings and wisdom contained within the mantras inscribed upon it, purifying the mind and generating merit. ––––––––––

A Tradition of Devotion

Prayer wheels, particularly those inscribed with "Om Mani Padme Hum," are integral to Tibetan Buddhist practice. Legend tells of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who manifested in various forms to guide sentient beings towards enlightenment. The mantra is believed to be his earthly embodiment, and its recitation or the spinning of a prayer wheel containing it is a profound act of devotion and a way to accumulate merit. In the monasteries and homes of Tibet, Nepal, and other Himalayan regions, these wheels are spun by monks and lay practitioners alike, with each rotation believed to be equivalent to reciting the mantra aloud many times. This practice is not merely a ritual but a meditative act, cultivating mindfulness, generating positive karma, and contributing to the well-being of all sentient beings. Owning and interacting with this prayer wheel allows one to connect with this ancient tradition and invite its blessings into their own 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.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
  • Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?
    A. Brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow. Whereas, panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid.
  • Q. Can I return the statue ?
    A. Of course you can return a statue. Returns need to be initiated within seven (7) days after delivery. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more about our Return Policy, please visit Return Policy.
  • Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?
    A. For any customisation, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.
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