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9" Copper Kadam Stupa from Nepal

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$393.75

$525

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Stupa is also known as Chorten in Tibet, which means “The basis of Offering.” It symbolizes an enlightened mind and the path to its realization. Although Kadam stupa possess similar underlying elements as other stupa, they can be distinct in their sizes, it can be opened from the bottom to fill consecration items.

The recognizable feature of this stupa is its overall bell-like shape as a whole, it also includes a row of doubled lotus petals along the base, a stepped harmika, a conical arrangement of thirteen bhumis surrounding the central axis, and a lotus-form top piece.

The shape of the stupa has its roots in ancient India. It was brought to Tibet by Lama Atisha, the great teacher of the second propagation of Buddhist doctrine in Tibet. Lama Atisha used a wooden stupa similar to this one as a spiritual aid whenever he traveled throughout Tibet. One who practices in the Lama Atisha lineage is known as a "Kadampa," a practice tradition established by Lama Atisha's heart disciple, Dromtonpa.

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Specifications

	MIW038
	Copper Gilded with Gold
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 4 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.20 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 and Serenity

This exquisite Kadam Stupa, meticulously crafted in Nepal, stands as a profound symbol of Buddhist philosophy and spiritual aspiration. Stupas, originating from ancient Indian burial mounds, evolved into the iconic cupola-shaped structures venerated in Buddhist traditions worldwide. This particular representation is inspired by the Kadam style, a lineage of Buddhism founded by the great Indian master Atisha Dipankara Shrijnana, who traveled to Tibet in the 11th century. His teachings emphasized a path of gradual spiritual development, and the Kadam stupas embody this principle through their distinctive, tiered forms. The artistry of this stupa is evident in its construction from copper, a metal revered in many spiritual traditions for its conductivity and purity. Further enhancing its sacred aura, the copper has been expertly gilded with pure gold, a material universally recognized as a symbol of divinity, enlightenment, and ultimate truth. The golden sheen not only signifies spiritual wealth but also reflects the radiant presence of the Buddha's teachings, casting a warm, auspicious glow in any space it occupies.

Symbolism and Significance

Each element of the stupa carries deep symbolic meaning. The base, often representing the earth or the foundation of the path, supports the various stages of spiritual ascent. The dome-like structures ascending upwards are said to represent the five Buddha families or the eightfold path, guiding practitioners towards liberation. The finial at the very top signifies the attainment of enlightenment, the pinnacle of spiritual realization. The layered design evokes the stages of a spiritual journey, from the initial steps of understanding to the ultimate transcendence of suffering. In Tibetan Buddhism, stupas are often consecrated with sacred relics or scriptures, transforming them into potent centers of spiritual energy. While this particular stupa may not contain physical relics, its very form and artistry serve as a powerful reminder and embodiment of the Buddha's enlightened mind and compassionate presence.

A Touch of the Himalayas

Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage and a crucible of Buddhist and Hindu traditions, this stupa carries with it the blessings and devotional practices of generations. The craftsmanship reflects the skill and dedication of Nepalese artisans who imbue their creations with deep reverence. Owning this Kadam Stupa is not merely acquiring a decorative object; it is inviting a tangible piece of spiritual history and profound symbolism into your home or sacred space. It serves as a constant source of inspiration, encouraging mindfulness, compassion, and the pursuit of inner peace, much like the tales of enlightened beings who once walked the very lands from which this artifact originates. Place it in your meditation room, study, or any area where you seek a connection to spiritual wisdom and a sense of serene contemplation.

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.