In the
rituals of the East, incense holds a special significance, as tools to elevate
any ambiance into a divine plane, where the devotee interacts with the powers
of the heavenly beings. Crafted with pure copper and brass and embellished with
inlay pieces, this large Tibetan incense holder is adorned with beautiful
Buddhist motifs all over and has ample storage space to keep your incense
sticks fresh and prepared to infuse your space with a mystical fragrance.
A Vessel of Sacred Scents and Divine Protection
This exquisite incense holder, a testament to the rich artisanal traditions of India, transcends its functional purpose to become a spiritual artifact. Crafted from brass and adorned with captivating inlay work, it embodies a deep connection to Tibetan Buddhism and its profound symbolism. The vibrant turquoise hue, reminiscent of precious stones cherished in many cultures for their protective qualities, is interspersed with intricate brass embellishments that speak of ancient craftsmanship and devotional artistry.Echoes of the Himalayas
The design of this holder draws inspiration from the sacred imagery found in Himalayan Buddhist art. The embossed motifs of a mythical dragon, a powerful symbol in Asian mythology representing strength, good fortune, and control over water and rain, adorn its surface. Dragons are often depicted as guardians, dispelling negativity and bringing prosperity. Alongside these powerful creatures are stylized lotus flowers, a universal emblem of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, signifying the journey of the soul towards spiritual awakening. The vibrant red and blue accents at the apex further enhance its aesthetic appeal, echoing the prayer flags that flutter in the mountain winds, carrying prayers and blessings across the spiritual landscape. This holder is not merely an object; it is a repository of cultural heritage, a tangible link to the profound philosophies and artistic expressions that have shaped spiritual practices for centuries.A Sanctuary for Fragrance
This substantial incense holder is designed to accommodate larger Tibetan incense sticks, allowing for longer periods of contemplative burning. The robust brass construction ensures durability and stability, while the exquisite inlay work adds an element of undeniable beauty. It serves as a sacred space for your incense, its form guiding the fragrant smoke upwards, carrying your intentions and prayers towards the heavens. The attached chain adds a touch of practicality and elegance, allowing for it to be hung or secured as desired. Each piece is handmade, imbuing it with the unique touch and dedication of its artisan, making it a truly special addition to any meditation space, altar, or home.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.
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