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8" Copper Buddhist Stupa from Nepal

$492
$656
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

A Buddhist stupa, a sacred monument with deep spiritual significance, rises as a testament to the profound teachings of Buddhism. Shaped like a dome or tower, it symbolizes the enlightened mind and serves as a focal point for contemplation and reverence. Adorned with intricate carvings and often housing relics or sacred texts, the stupa stands as a spiritual beacon.

 

Circumambulating the stupa, a ritual act of walking around its base is a common practice symbolizing the journey toward enlightenment. Each component of the stupa, from its square base to the spire at the top, holds symbolic meaning, representing different aspects of Buddhist philosophy.

 

Whether found in the bustling city or nestled in a serene landscape, a Buddhist stupa invites practitioners and visitors alike to connect with the timeless wisdom of the Buddha. It stands as a physical embodiment of the path to enlightenment, a silent guide beckoning all to embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening.

Specifications
MIU136
Copper Gilded with Gold
Height: 8 inch
Width: 4 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 600 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Sacred Symbol of Enlightenment

This exquisite golden stupa, a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, embodies the profound spiritual journey of Buddhism. Crafted from copper and meticulously gilded with gold, its shimmering surface reflects not just light, but also centuries of devotion and a quest for inner peace. The stupa, a sacred architectural form in Buddhism, symbolizes the enlightened mind of the Buddha, and is a focal point for meditation and prayer. Each detail, from the tiered base to the crowning spire, is rendered with reverence, inviting contemplation and a connection to the Dharma.

Echoes of Ancient Wisdom

The stupa's design is deeply rooted in Buddhist cosmology and symbolism. The various levels represent stages of the path to enlightenment, while the spire reaching towards the heavens signifies the boundless nature of wisdom and compassion. In Buddhist lore, stupas are often built to house relics of enlightened beings, serving as tangible reminders of their teachings and the possibility of liberation. They are places where pilgrims circumambulate with chants and offerings, seeking blessings and purification. This particular stupa, with its elegant form and lustrous finish, evokes the sacred sites of Lumbini, Bodh Gaya, and the many venerated stupas found throughout the Himalayas, places where spiritual seekers have found solace and inspiration for generations. The inclusion of the Dharma chakra symbol, often seen in Buddhist art, further reinforces its sacred purpose as a representation of the Buddha's teachings and the cycle of rebirth and enlightenment.

An Object of Devotion and Beauty

This golden stupa is more than just an artifact; it is an invitation to cultivate mindfulness and to embrace the path of spiritual growth. Whether placed in a home altar for daily rituals, used in meditation practice, or displayed as a piece of devotional art, it radiates a serene and uplifting energy. Its compact size makes it a versatile addition to any sacred space, serving as a constant reminder of the Buddha's timeless message of peace, understanding, and liberation. The craftsmanship speaks of a tradition that values both aesthetic beauty and profound spiritual meaning, making this stupa a truly cherished object for any practitioner or admirer of Buddhist art and philosophy.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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