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11" Copper Buddhist Gulpa from Nepal

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$1012.50

$1350

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Only 1 available

The Copper Buddhist Gulpa from Nepal stands as a testament to the region's spiritual and artistic richness. The Gulpa, a symbolic stupa, carries profound meaning in Buddhist culture. It represents the path to enlightenment. Crafted with dedication, the intricate details etched into the copper surface showcase the skill of Nepalese artisans. The lotus on top signifies purity, and the prayer wheels are a reminder of the constant cycle of life. Every turn of the prayer wheel sends your intentions to the universe. With this piece, you're not just holding art; you're connecting with the spirituality that has thrived in Nepal for centuries.

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Specifications

	MIT279
	Copper
	Height: 8 inch
	Width: 11 inch
	Depth: 11 inch
	Weight 1.30 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	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 Vessel of Sacred Significance

This exquisite copper Gulpa, meticulously crafted in Nepal, is more than just an object of beauty; it is a potent symbol steeped in Buddhist tradition and reverence. Its substantial presence and intricate detailing speak to a rich heritage, inviting contemplation and devotion into any space it occupies. The warm, aged patina of the copper suggests a history of ritual and ceremony, hinting at the countless prayers and blessings it may have held.

Artistry and Spiritual Symbolism

The exterior of the Gulpa is adorned with a breathtaking tapestry of raised motifs. A band of ornate, swirling floral patterns encircles the upper portion, evoking the boundless beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world, often revered in Buddhist teachings. Below this, a series of deeply etched designs add further visual complexity and texture. Most prominently, the central motif features the sacred syllable "Om" (ॐ) encased within an arched framework. This primordial sound is fundamental to many Eastern spiritual traditions, representing the ultimate reality, the essence of the universe, and the sound of creation itself. Its presence on this vessel imbues it with immense spiritual power, serving as a constant reminder of the divine. The base of the Gulpa is finished with a pattern of lotus petals, a symbol of purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening, reinforcing the sacred nature of this piece.

Echoes of Tradition

In Buddhist practices, sacred vessels play a vital role in rituals and offerings. Similar to ancient water pots used in ceremonies to honor deities or to purify sacred spaces, this Gulpa can serve as a focal point for meditation or puja. In Tibetan Buddhism, offerings of water bowls are common, representing the purity of the Buddha's teachings and the clarity of the practitioner's mind. The act of filling and emptying these bowls can symbolize the cycle of samsara and the aspiration for liberation. The copper, a metal often associated with purification and healing in various cultures, further enhances the auspicious nature of this vessel, making it an ideal addition to altars, meditation rooms, or any area dedicated to spiritual practice and inner peace. Its robust construction ensures it will be a cherished heirloom for generations to come.

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.