All orders are fully insured to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
All products are MADE IN INDIA.
A Symbol of Enlightenment and Serenity
This exquisite Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel, meticulously handcrafted in Nepal, is more than just a decorative piece; it's a conduit for spiritual reflection and a tangible representation of profound Buddhist philosophy. The vibrant turquoise, inlaid with striking red and accented by lustrous brass, evokes the clear Himalayan skies and the precious gems often found in sacred Tibetan art. Each turn of the wheel is said to be equivalent to reciting all the prayers contained within it, spreading blessings and positive energy into the world.
The wheel itself is adorned with the sacred mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," a powerful invocation believed to embody the essence of all Buddhist teachings. This mantra, when chanted or spun within a prayer wheel, is thought to purify negative karma, accumulate merit, and guide the practitioner towards enlightenment. The inscription is rendered in the ancient Tibetan script, adding an authentic touch of tradition and spiritual significance. The central band, a smooth, deep green, adds a touch of earthly grounding to the celestial imagery above and below.
Craftsmanship and Cultural Resonance
Crafted from a combination of durable copper and brass, this prayer wheel is a testament to the enduring artistic traditions of Nepal. The intricate inlay work, featuring small, precisely cut pieces of turquoise and red stone, showcases the skill and dedication of the artisans who brought this piece to life. The wheel sits upon a sturdy stand, adorned with a delicate, floral-like design, further enhancing its aesthetic appeal and providing a stable base for its spiritual function. This stand, too, is embellished with inlaid colors, echoing the vibrant palette of the wheel itself.
In Tibetan Buddhism, prayer wheels are integral to daily spiritual practice. They are often found in monasteries, temples, and homes, where devotees spin them as they circumambulate sacred sites or during meditation. The act of turning the wheel is a physical manifestation of the spiritual journey, a reminder to keep the Dharma in motion and to continuously cultivate compassion and wisdom. Legend tells of the first prayer wheel being conceived by the Buddha himself, inspired by observing a woman spinning a prayer wheel to accumulate merit. This tradition, passed down through generations, imbues each prayer wheel with a lineage of devotion and spiritual energy.
This particular prayer wheel, with its striking beauty and devotional purpose, serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings and the universal pursuit of peace and understanding. Its presence can bring a sense of calm and mindfulness to any space, inviting contemplation and fostering an atmosphere of spiritual tranquility. It is a perfect addition for those seeking to deepen their spiritual practice or to bring a touch of sacred Himalayan artistry into their lives.
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.
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.