9" Stupa from Nepal | Copper with Gold Plated

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MADE IN INDIA.

9" Stupa from Nepal | Copper with Gold Plated

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$558

$744

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Believed to enshrine relics of Buddha within its mound-like form, a stupa stands as an early representation of Buddhist spirituality. Crafted from copper and adorned with gold, ripened into an elegant edifice with distinct symbolic elements.

The stupa is characterized by its three-tiered composition, each tier diminishing in size, symbolizing celestial realms. The circular base that supports the hemispherical dome represents the elemental force of water—a fundamental aspect of life and purification.

An unmistakable feature of the stupa is the portrayal of Buddha's eyes, reflecting deep philosophical meanings. These eyes are often perceived as inscrutable, impassive, empathetic, and discerning, encapsulating Buddha's eternal vigilance and wisdom.

Rich in historical and spiritual significance, the stupa serves as a visual representation of Buddhist philosophy, inviting worship, contemplation, and pilgrimage. It stands as a timeless reminder of Buddha's teachings—compassion, wisdom, and the pursuit of enlightenment.

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Specifications

	MIS578
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 4.5 inch
	Depth: 4.5 inch
	Weight 1.30 kg

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 Sacred Edifice of Enlightenment

This exquisite stupa, meticulously crafted in Nepal, stands as a profound symbol of Buddhist enlightenment and spiritual aspiration. Fashioned from copper and richly plated with gold, its luminous surface reflects the light, imbuing it with an aura of divine presence and sacredness. The intricate detailing and masterful artistry speak to the deep devotional practices and rich cultural heritage from which it originates. Each element of the stupa carries symbolic meaning, representing various aspects of the path to spiritual liberation.

Echoes of the Buddha's Enlightenment

The stupa, or chaitya, is a monument that serves as a reliquary for sacred Buddhist texts and relics, and also as a focal point for meditation and devotion. Its form is said to represent the seated Buddha, with the base signifying his throne, the dome his body, the spire his head, and the finial his enlightenment. The stupa's architectural design is rooted in ancient Indian traditions, but it has evolved over centuries, taking on distinct regional characteristics. In Nepal, stupas are not merely decorative objects; they are living embodiments of Buddhist philosophy, integral to the spiritual life of the community.

A Testament to Divine Craftsmanship

The gold plating on this copper stupa adds a layer of opulence and purity, reflecting the luminous qualities associated with spiritual awakening and the divine. The intricate carvings that adorn its base and body are more than mere ornamentation; they are imbued with symbolic patterns, often depicting floral motifs, celestial beings, or auspicious symbols. The central niche, containing a miniature sculpted figure, likely represents the Buddha himself or a revered deity, serving as a focal point for contemplation and prayer. The tiered structure of the stupa, culminating in a finely ribbed spire, symbolizes the ascent towards higher consciousness and ultimate liberation.

A Symbol of Peace and Prosperity

In Buddhist traditions, the presence of a stupa is believed to bring peace, harmony, and prosperity to its surroundings. Circumambulating a stupa clockwise is a common devotional practice, a form of meditation that helps to purify the mind and accumulate merit. This magnificent stupa, with its profound symbolism and exquisite craftsmanship, serves as a powerful reminder of the Buddha's teachings and the path to enlightenment. It is not just an object of art but a sacred vessel, designed to inspire devotion, promote spiritual growth, and radiate positive energy. Its presence in any sacred space or home is an invitation to contemplate the timeless wisdom of Buddhism.

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.