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.

9" Copper Stupa Statue from Nepal

$558
$744
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

Stupas, symbolic mound-like structures, serve as sanctuaries for Buddhist relics. Rising tall, this stupa stands adorned with four intricately designed steps, each a testament to Buddhist artistry. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the stupa holds profound spiritual significance for Buddhism followers.

 

The stupa's elevated base embodies the meditative form of Buddha, signifying transcendence and spiritual elevation. Meditating and offering prayers near a Buddhist Stupa is believed to generate positive energy, dispelling negative influences and fostering inner peace. This sacred monument invites individuals on a spiritual journey and serves as a focal point for tranquility within the confines of a peaceful home environment, enveloping one in a sense of serenity and spiritual connection.

Specifications
MIS575
Copper with Gold Plated
Height: 9 inch
Width: 4.5 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 1.40 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 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 Beacon of Enlightenment

This exquisite stupa statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, is a testament to the enduring spiritual traditions of the region. Rendered in gleaming copper and adorned with a lustrous gold plating, it captures the profound symbolism and intricate artistry inherent in Buddhist iconography. Standing at nine inches tall, it possesses a commanding presence, suitable for contemplation, ritual, or as a magnificent centerpiece in any sacred space.

Symbolism and Significance

The stupa, in Buddhist cosmology, is more than just a structure; it is a representation of the Buddha's enlightened mind and the path to Nirvana. Each element of the stupa carries deep meaning. The base often symbolizes the earth, providing a stable foundation for spiritual growth. The tiered levels ascending upwards can represent the stages of the path to enlightenment, or the heavens. The dome or the main body of the stupa, often called the "anda" or egg, signifies the mind of the Buddha, or the womb of potential enlightenment. The spire at the apex represents the path to liberation, culminating in a celestial union. The small niche prominently displayed on this particular stupa features a seated Buddha, a direct evocation of the awakened one, the source of all teachings and the ultimate goal of the spiritual journey. The intricate ornamentation that adorns the structure, from the delicate scrolling motifs to the finely rendered architectural details, speaks to the devotion and skill of the artisans, who imbue each piece with spiritual energy and aesthetic beauty.

Craftsmanship from the Himalayas

Originating from Nepal, a land deeply steeped in Buddhist heritage and renowned for its skilled metalworkers, this stupa embodies centuries of artistic tradition. The copper forms a sturdy and resonant core, while the gold plating imbues it with a radiant, divine aura. The meticulous attention to detail, from the precise layering of the base to the delicate curves of the spire, showcases the mastery of Nepalese artisans. Such sacred objects are often created in workshops where generations have passed down their knowledge, ensuring that each piece is not merely an object of art but a vessel of spiritual transmission. The creation process itself is often seen as a meditative practice, a form of devotional offering.

A Gateway to Serenity

This stupa serves as a powerful focal point for meditation, prayer, and the cultivation of inner peace. Its presence can transform a room into a sanctuary, inviting contemplation on the impermanence of life, the nature of suffering, and the possibility of ultimate liberation. By invoking the spirit of the Buddha and the profound teachings of Buddhism, this statue can inspire mindfulness, compassion, and a deeper connection to the spiritual path. It is a tangible reminder of the journey towards enlightenment, a beacon of hope and a source of serene beauty.

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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image

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.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy