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11" Copper Ashtamangala Carving Incense Burner with Holder

$194.25
$259
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZBT28
Copper
4.2 inch Height X 11.6 inch width X 2.3 inch depth
Weight 450 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.

An Emblem of Serenity and Auspiciousness

This exquisitely crafted copper vessel is more than just an incense burner; it is a testament to the rich spiritual heritage and artistic mastery of Nepal. Designed to hold and diffuse fragrant incense, it serves as a focal point for meditation, prayer, and the creation of a tranquil atmosphere. The intricate carvings and symbolic motifs adorning its surface imbue it with profound meaning, drawing inspiration from the sacred imagery found in Buddhist and Hindu traditions. The use of copper, a metal revered for its purity and conductivity, further enhances its spiritual significance, believed to amplify intentions and facilitate the flow of positive energy.

The Auspicious Symbols of the Ashtamangala

Central to the spiritual resonance of this burner are the depictions of the Ashtamangala, the Eight Auspicious Symbols that represent various aspects of enlightenment and well-being. These symbols, often seen in Tibetan Buddhist art, are believed to bring good fortune and protection. While the specific arrangement and form of the Ashtamangala can vary, their presence on this vessel signifies blessings, prosperity, wisdom, and compassion. Each element within this sacred collection carries its own narrative, such as the endless knot symbolizing the interconnectedness of all things and the victory banner representing the triumph of Buddhist teachings over ignorance. The inclusion of these potent symbols transforms the burner into a conduit for divine blessings, making it a cherished object for devotional practices and a beautiful reminder of the path to spiritual fulfillment. The recurring motif of the dharma wheel, often associated with the Buddha's teachings, is also subtly incorporated, reinforcing the object's sacred purpose.

Masterful Craftsmanship and Timeless Elegance

The artistry evident in this incense burner speaks volumes about the skill of Nepalese artisans. The body of the burner is meticulously shaped, with ornate detailing that showcases a deep understanding of traditional metalworking techniques. The use of contrasting tones, where the natural patina of the copper harmonizes with areas of gilded embellishment, creates a visually captivating piece. The delicate chains, artfully draped, add a touch of regal elegance and further enhance the vessel's functionality as a holder. The sturdy, tiered base provides a stable foundation, allowing the burner to be placed with confidence in any sacred space. The overall design is both robust and refined, a harmonious blend of form and function that will grace any altar, meditation room, or living space with an aura of sacred beauty and profound spiritual depth. This piece is not merely an object but a vessel carrying centuries of tradition and artistry.

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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