A Wrathful Mask from Nepal (Wall Hanging)

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

Name: A Wrathful Mask from Nepal (Wall Hanging)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XF60
Price: 550.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$633

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	XF60
	Copper Sculpture
	Height: 7 inch
	Width: 8.5 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 1.51 kg

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.

An Impenetrable Guardian

Bring a touch of fierce artistry to your space with this captivating copper sculpture. Crafted in Nepal, this powerful mask embodies the protective energies found in Himalayan Buddhist traditions. Notice the intricate details: the bulging eyes, the sharp teeth bared in a perpetual snarl, the formidable horns curving powerfully outwards. Every element is deliberately rendered to convey strength and unwavering resolve. This is more than just a decoration; it's a symbolic guardian, a visual representation of the forces invoked to ward off negativity and ensure well-being.

Wrathful Deities and Protective Energies

The mask's design draws from the iconography of wrathful deities, often invoked in tantric Buddhist practices. These figures, though fearsome in appearance, are not malevolent. Instead, they represent the forceful expulsion of negative emotions and obstacles that hinder spiritual progress. They are protectors, fiercely defending the path to enlightenment. In many Himalayan cultures, masks like these are used in sacred dances and rituals, embodying the power of these deities and channeling their protective energy into the community. The terrifying visages serve as a warning to disruptive forces, both internal and external, deterring them from causing harm.

Craftsmanship and Symbolism

The copper from which this mask is fashioned is a metal deeply associated with the divine. It is believed to have inherent healing properties and is often used in sacred objects and ritual implements. The patina that naturally develops on the copper adds to its character, hinting at age and wisdom. The sculpture is designed to be hung, allowing its presence to dominate a space, providing a focal point of protection and contemplation. The presence of such a powerful symbol in your home or office can serve as a constant reminder of the strength and resilience within. It's a beautiful, and meaningful piece of art.

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.