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MADE IN INDIA.

4" Small Superfine Copper Stupa

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$510.75

$681

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Small stupas can serve as votive offerings, acting as focal points for acts of devotion. Sponsoring the creation of a votive stupa is a way for individuals to accumulate merit and improve their karma. These stupas directly connect their form to the body of the Buddha, specifically depicting the Buddha at the moment of his Enlightenment when he received the knowledge of the Four Noble Truths (the dharma or law).

The stupa's shape symbolizes the Buddha himself, with the top spire representing his crown, the square at the spire's base signifying his head, the vase-shaped body representing his body, the four steps of the lower terrace representing his legs, and the base resembling his throne.

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Specifications

	MIS889
	COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED
	Height: 4.5 inch
	Width: 2.5 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 200 gm

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 Miniature Monument of Enlightenment

This exquisite stupa, crafted from fine copper and finished with a gleaming gold plating, is a testament to the artistry and spiritual devotion of Nepalese artisans. Standing at a modest height, it is a perfect representation of the grand stupas that dot the sacred landscapes of the Himalayas, often housing relics of revered monks or serving as focal points for meditation and prayer. The intricate detailing and the radiant sheen of the gold evoke a sense of divine presence, making this piece a powerful object for personal devotion or as an auspicious adornment for any space.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The stupa, in Buddhist tradition, is far more than just a structure; it is a profound symbol of the enlightened mind and the path to Nirvana. Each component of the stupa represents a stage of the Buddha's teachings and his journey towards enlightenment. The base symbolizes the teachings of the Four Noble Truths, while the central dome represents the five aggregates of existence. The spire, with its tiered rings, symbolizes the steps to enlightenment. Placing a stupa in one's home or monastery is believed to purify negative karma, accumulate merit, and foster spiritual growth. In ancient tales, it is said that the first stupa was built by King Ashoka to house the relics of the Buddha, thereby spreading his teachings throughout the land and bringing peace and prosperity.

Exquisite Craftsmanship

The artistry evident in this miniature stupa is truly remarkable. The copper base has been meticulously worked, exhibiting a rich patina that speaks of its quality. The delicate etchings and raised patterns on the base are reminiscent of traditional Nepalese decorative motifs, possibly floral or geometric, adding to its aesthetic appeal. The tiered structure that rises from the base is precisely formed, with each horizontal band clearly defined, culminating in a lotus bud finial, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening. The entire piece is then bathed in gold plating, which not only enhances its visual splendor but also imbues it with a sacred aura, making it appear as if it holds an inner radiance. This fine craftsmanship ensures that the stupa is not merely an object of devotion but also a piece of art to be admired.

A Touch of the Divine in Your Space

This beautifully crafted copper and gold-plated stupa is ideally suited for those seeking to bring a sense of peace, spirituality, and cultural richness into their lives. Its compact size makes it a versatile addition to altars, meditation corners, study rooms, or even as a distinguished decorative item in any room. It serves as a constant reminder of the principles of Buddhism, encouraging mindfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of inner peace. Whether as a personal devotional item, a meaningful gift, or a collector's piece, this miniature stupa embodies the profound spiritual heritage and artistic excellence of Nepal.

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.