12" Tibetan Buddhist Copper Stupa from Nepal

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12" Tibetan Buddhist Copper Stupa from Nepal

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$562.50

$750

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

A stupa, a sacred structure in Buddhism, rises as a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual ascent. Composed of a dome, square base, spire, and pinnacle, the stupa's architectural elements embody profound spiritual symbolism. The stupa is a conduit for meditation and reverence, with each component representing different facets of Buddhist philosophy. Circumambulating the stupa becomes a ritual act, symbolizing the journey toward enlightenment. Often adorned with sacred relics, stupas serve as tangible connections to the Buddha's teachings and revered spiritual figures.

In both bustling cities and serene landscapes, the stupa stands as a tangible manifestation of the path to awakening. Its silent presence invites contemplation, offering a sacred space for practitioners to connect with the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the teachings of Buddhism.

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Specifications

	MIV984
	COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
	Height: 12 inch
	Width: 6 inch
	Depth: 6 inch
	Weight 2.60 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 Beacon of Enlightenment

This exquisite Tibetan Buddhist Stupa, meticulously crafted in Nepal, stands as a profound symbol of spiritual aspiration and enlightened wisdom. The stupa, an ancient architectural form, represents the serene, enlightened mind of the Buddha, and this particular piece captures that essence with remarkable detail and artistry. Its form is deeply rooted in Buddhist cosmology, where each element carries significant meaning. The tiered base symbolizes the steps on the path to enlightenment, leading upwards towards the ultimate spiritual awakening.

Sacred Symbolism and Craftsmanship

The striking golden hue of this stupa is achieved through a meticulous gilding process, where pure gold is applied to a copper base. This opulent finish not only signifies purity and divinity but also echoes the celestial radiance of spiritual enlightenment. The intricate carvings and decorative motifs adorning the stupa are reminiscent of the rich artistic traditions of the Himalayas. Within a central niche, a miniature Buddha figure sits in meditation, a focal point of devotion and a reminder of the path to liberation. The presence of the Buddha within the stupa is a direct evocation of the Shakyamuni Buddha himself, embodying his teachings and his journey to nirvana. The decorative bands, inlaid with vibrant turquoise and coral-colored stones, add a touch of earthly beauty to the divine representation, reflecting the interconnectedness of the material and spiritual realms.

A Legacy of Peace and Wisdom

The stupa has been an integral part of Buddhist culture for over two millennia, with its origins often traced back to ancient Indian burial mounds. In Tibetan Buddhism, stupas are not merely decorative objects but sacred vessels that hold relics, scriptures, or are seen as embodying the presence of the Buddha. They serve as focal points for meditation and circumambulation, practices believed to generate merit and purify negative karma. Legend has it that the Buddha himself instructed his followers on the proper construction of stupas, emphasizing their role in spreading peace and wisdom. Owning and honoring a stupa, like this beautifully gilded copper masterpiece, is seen as a way to connect with these timeless spiritual energies and to foster a sense of inner peace and clarity in one's life. This piece, born from the skilled hands of Nepalese artisans, brings a tangible piece of this profound spiritual heritage into your sacred space.

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.