Vajra Phurpa cum Chopper

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Name: Vajra Phurpa cum Chopper
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XF43
Price: 35.00 USD
Availability: InStock

฿992

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	XF43
	Copper
	Height: 5.5 inch
	Width: 2.7 inch
	Depth: 1 inch
	Weight 140 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Symbol of Transformation and Protection

This exquisitely crafted artifact embodies the potent symbolism and spiritual depth of Tibetan Buddhism. More than just an object, it represents a powerful fusion of elements designed to overcome obstacles, transform negative energies, and invoke spiritual protection. The intricate detailing and symbolic composition speak volumes about the profound philosophies it represents, making it a compelling piece for both collectors and practitioners.

The Divine Vajra and the Fierce Chopper

At the heart of this sacred implement is the Vajra, a symbol of indestructible power and spiritual enlightenment, often associated with the thunderbolt of Indra, the king of the gods in Hindu mythology. Its multi-pronged form represents the five wisdoms and the five poisons that are to be overcome. Complementing the Vajra is the Chopper, or Kartika, a ritualistic knife symbolizing the severing of ignorance, attachment, and delusion. In the hands of deities like Vajrayogini, it signifies the power to cut through conceptual obscurations and achieve liberation. The striking combination of these two elements creates a potent tool for spiritual practice and energetic clearing.

Embodying Wisdom and the Transcendent

The presence of the skull imagery on this piece is not meant to evoke morbidity, but rather to symbolize the impermanence of life and the ultimate victory over ego and attachment. In Tibetan Buddhist iconography, skulls represent the profound understanding of emptiness and the recognition that all phenomena are transient. The skull at the top, with its crown-like adornment, suggests a dominion over the cycles of birth and death, achieved through profound wisdom. The smaller skull midway down the shaft further reinforces this theme, acting as a constant reminder of the ultimate truth of impermanence, a key tenet for spiritual progress. The sharp, piercing point of the implement is designed to penetrate all illusion and duality.

Craftsmanship and Cultural Resonance

Handcrafted from copper, a metal revered for its conductivity and purifying properties, this artifact resonates with centuries of tradition. The addition of vibrant red accents and the striking turquoise inlay on the shaft not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also carry their own symbolic meanings. Red is often associated with passion, vitality, and the blood of compassion, while turquoise is a sacred stone believed to offer protection and promote spiritual growth. This piece is a testament to the skill of ancient artisans who imbue their creations with deep spiritual significance. It serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power that lies within us and the spiritual tools available to guide us on our path.

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.