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7" Copper Stupa from Nepal

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$224.25

$299

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In Tibetan Buddhism, there are eight distinct types of stupas, each associated with significant events in the life of the Buddha. The Stupa of the Conquest of Mara, also known as the Stupa of Enlightenment, holds great symbolism. This stupa represents the moment when the 35-year-old Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating under the bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya. It signifies his triumph over worldly temptations and the attacks of Mara, which took various forms.

Stupas are profoundly significant in the Buddhist tradition, serving as potent symbols that represent the spiritual journey and the ultimate attainment of Nirvana by the Buddha.

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Specifications

	MIS610
	Copper
	Height: 7 inch
	Width: 4 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 900 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.

An Embodiment of Enlightenment

This exquisite copper stupa, originating from the sacred soil of Nepal, is more than just an object of beauty; it is a profound symbol of Buddhist philosophy and spiritual aspiration. The stupa, in its various forms, represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha and serves as a focal point for meditation and devotion. Its design, rich with symbolic meaning, echoes the ancient architectural traditions that have flourished in the Himalayan region for centuries.

The Anatomy of Sacredness

Each element of this stupa is meticulously crafted, inviting contemplation. The tiered base, often signifying the earth element, is adorned with intricate carvings that speak of auspicious symbols and protective motifs. Ascending from this foundation, the central dome-like structure symbolizes the void, the emptiness from which all phenomena arise. The stacked rings at the apex represent the path to enlightenment, each level a step closer to ultimate wisdom. The small niche carved into the body of the stupa often houses a miniature statue of the Buddha, a reminder of his presence and teachings. The graceful, arching supports that frame the upper section are reminiscent of stylized wings, symbolizing the boundless compassion and freedom from suffering that enlightenment bestows.

Whispers of History and Mythology

The stupa's origins are deeply entwined with the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Following his enlightenment, his relics were enshrined in eight principal stupas, each representing a significant event in his life. Over time, the stupa evolved from a relic mound to a more abstract representation of Buddhist cosmology and the path to liberation. In Nepal, a land where Buddhism has been practiced for millennia, the art of stupa making has reached unparalleled heights of craftsmanship and spiritual significance. Craftsmen imbue their creations with reverence, drawing inspiration from ancient texts and the living traditions of monastic communities. This particular piece, cast in rich copper, carries the patina of dedication and the inherent qualities of this sacred metal, believed to purify and enhance spiritual energies.

A Beacon of Serenity

Bringing this copper stupa into your home or sacred space is an invitation to cultivate inner peace and spiritual awareness. Its presence can serve as a constant reminder of the Buddha's teachings on mindfulness, compassion, and the transient nature of existence. Whether placed on an altar, a meditation shelf, or as a distinguished decorative piece, it radiates an aura of tranquility and profound wisdom. The skilled artistry evident in every detail, from the delicate scrollwork to the perfectly rendered miniature Buddha, reflects the deep cultural heritage and spiritual devotion embedded in Nepalese artistry. This stupa is not merely an artifact; it is a vessel of spiritual intention, a bridge to ancient wisdom, and a beautiful testament to the enduring power of faith.

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.