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12" Copper Stupa from Nepal

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$2264.25

$3019

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Only 1 available

The stupa, an iconic cultural and spiritual landmark, beckons millions of Buddhists worldwide. It's a profound symbol of the Buddha's teachings and a physical manifestation of the Buddhist universe. Its spherical shape mirrors the cosmos, while the towering spire signifies the path to enlightenment.

It serves as a potent symbol of peace and unity, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs who converge to offer prayers and share love and compassion. The shape of the stupa represents the Buddha himself, seated in a meditative posture with a crown.

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Specifications

	MIS703
	Copper
	Height: 12 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 2.40 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 Symbol of Enlightenment and Peace

This exquisite copper stupa, originating from the heart of Nepal, is more than just a decorative object; it is a profound representation of Buddhist philosophy and a testament to masterful craftsmanship. The stupa, a dome-shaped structure, serves as a sacred monument in Buddhism, often enshrining relics of the Buddha or enlightened beings. It symbolizes the enlightened mind of the Buddha and is a focal point for meditation, prayer, and pilgrimage. In Nepalese culture, the creation of such sacred art forms is deeply intertwined with spiritual devotion, with each stroke of the artisan's tool imbued with prayer and intention.

Craftsmanship and Symbolism

Crafted from copper, a metal revered for its conductivity and resilience, this stupa embodies a harmonious blend of earthy tones and gleaming metallic accents. The tiered structure, characteristic of many stupas, represents the path to enlightenment. The base, often referred to as the "Lion Throne" or "Square Base," signifies the Buddha's noble teachings. Above this, the dome, known as the "Anda," represents the womb of the universe and the boundless potential of consciousness. The spire, or "Chatravali," with its distinct rings, symbolizes the various stages of spiritual development and the cosmic order. The golden finial at the apex signifies ultimate enlightenment and Nirvana. The intricate layering of silver and copper, accented with touches of gold, creates a visually captivating piece that draws the viewer into its sacred geometry. The presence of lotus motifs, a universal symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, further enhances its devotional significance.

A Link to Ancient Traditions

The stupa has a rich history dating back to the time of the Buddha himself. Legend tells of the original eight stupas built to house the relics of the Buddha after his passing, each designed to embody different aspects of his teachings. Throughout the centuries, the form and symbolism of the stupa have evolved, yet its core purpose – to inspire spiritual growth and cultivate inner peace – has remained constant. Nepalese artisans, with their generations of inherited knowledge and deep spiritual understanding, have perfected the art of stupa making. This piece is a direct lineage from those ancient traditions, bringing a tangible piece of Buddhist heritage into your space. It is a reminder of the impermanence of worldly things and the enduring power of the Dharma.

Spiritual Significance and Decorative Appeal

Whether intended for a meditation room, a home altar, or as a statement piece of cultural art, this copper stupa emanates an aura of tranquility and profound spiritual depth. Its presence can serve as a constant reminder to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom in daily life. The detailed craftsmanship and the inherent symbolism make it a piece that is both aesthetically pleasing and spiritually enriching. It is an invitation to connect with ancient wisdom and to find a moment of peace in the midst of a busy world. This sacred artifact is not merely an object but a vessel of blessings and a beacon of hope.

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.