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20" Copper Decorative Mandala

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$3295.50

$4394

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A unique visualization of the Mandala or realm of a Buddhist deity, this copper Mandala from Nepal probably represents the blue-skinned Bodhisattva- Akshobhya. The central figure sits on a lotus seat of lapis lazuli and turquoise, surrounded by petals and a network of vines made from copper strings. Surrounding him is a group of Buddhist deities, belonging to his heavenly abode. Each figure is given minute attention, underlining their expressions stunningly on the precious stones used for their face.

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Specifications

	ZDZ501
	Copper with Gemstones
	Height: 18 inch
	Width: 20 inch
	Depth: 2 inch
	Weight 5 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Ships in 1-3 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 Celestial Symphony in Copper and Gemstones

This exquisite piece is more than just a decorative item; it is a portal to the sacred, a tangible representation of spiritual devotion, and a testament to the enduring artistry of Nepalese craftsmanship. Crafted from rich copper and meticulously adorned with vibrant gemstones, this mandala evokes the profound symbolism and rich cultural heritage of the Himalayas. Its intricate details and layered imagery invite contemplation and inspire a sense of peace and mindfulness. ––––––––––

The Heart of the Mandala: Embodiment of Enlightenment

At the very center of this magnificent creation resides a serene figure, likely a representation of a Buddha or a prominent Bodhisattva. The posture, with hands held in a significant mudra, suggests a moment of profound meditation, teaching, or the granting of blessings. The serene countenance, rendered in a striking blue hue, symbolizes the boundless compassion and wisdom inherent in the enlightened state. The lotus blossom upon which the central deity rests is a universal symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, representing the unfolding of consciousness from the muddy waters of existence into the light of enlightenment. This central motif anchors the entire mandala, serving as the focal point of spiritual energy and devotion. ––––––––––

A Cosmic Dance of Deities and Symbols

Surrounding the central figure, a celestial court of smaller deities and symbolic representations unfolds. Each miniature figure is rendered with remarkable precision, depicting a pantheon of enlightened beings, protective deities, or manifestations of different aspects of spiritual awareness. The surrounding patterns, rich with intricate scrollwork and repeating motifs, are characteristic of mandalas, which are geometric configurations of symbols that represent the universe in its most balanced and sacred form. These patterns are not merely decorative; they are designed to guide the viewer's eye and mind through the cosmos, facilitating a journey of spiritual understanding and inner transformation. The use of turquoise and coral gemstones further enhances the visual richness and symbolic depth, with turquoise often representing the sky and wisdom, and coral associated with vitality, protection, and life force. ––––––––––

Echoes of Ancient Wisdom and Tibetan Lore

The tradition of creating mandalas is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhism and other Vajrayana traditions, where they serve as aids to meditation and as visual representations of complex philosophical concepts. They are seen as microcosms of the universe, illustrating the interconnectedness of all things and the path to liberation. In ancient traditions, such intricate artworks were often created with grains of sand, only to be ritually swept away, symbolizing the impermanence of all material forms. This copper mandala, however, is crafted to endure, offering a permanent source of inspiration and a connection to these ancient spiritual practices. The Sanskrit inscriptions that may be subtly integrated into the design further connect it to the sacred texts and mantras that underpin Buddhist philosophy, adding another layer of spiritual significance. The scroll-like structure, with its decorative finials, suggests the form of a Tibetan prayer wheel or a scroll containing sacred teachings, further amplifying its spiritual resonance. This piece is a magnificent embodiment of faith, artistry, and the pursuit of spiritual harmony.

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.