Handheld Prayer Wheel from Nepal (Tibetan Buddhist)

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$81.75

$109

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Specifications

	ZBO30
	Copper, Brass and Wood
	Height: 11.4 inch
	Width: 2.8 inch
	Depth: 2.8 inch
	Weight 140 gm

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

A Sacred Tool for Spiritual Practice

This exquisite handheld prayer wheel, originating from the serene landscapes of Nepal, is a tangible link to the profound spiritual traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted with a harmonious blend of materials, its cylindrical body is meticulously fashioned from copper and brass, while the sturdy handle is made from dark, rich wood. The detailed engravings adorning the metallic cylinder speak of ancient wisdom and devotion. Within its core, it is believed to contain mantras and prayers, transforming it into a vessel of sacred energy. –––––––––––––––––––

The Wisdom of the Spinning Wheel

The practice of using prayer wheels dates back centuries, deeply interwoven with the philosophy of Tibetan Buddhism. It is said that the revered sage Nagarjuna himself is credited with inventing the prayer wheel. The fundamental principle behind the prayer wheel is that spinning it clockwise imbues the user and the surrounding environment with the merit and blessings of the prayers contained within. Each turn is considered equivalent to reciting the mantra inscribed inside, multiplying the positive karma generated. The mantra most commonly found within these wheels is "Om Mani Padme Hum," a powerful invocation of compassion and wisdom. The act of spinning also serves as a meditative practice, helping to calm the mind, focus intention, and cultivate a sense of peace. The gentle rattle of the small weight attached to the chain as the wheel turns offers a subtle reminder of this sacred action. –––––––––––––––––––

Artistry and Devotion in Every Detail

The craftsmanship of this prayer wheel is a testament to the dedication of its creators. The copper and brass elements are intricately worked, showcasing patterns and symbols that resonate with Buddhist iconography, perhaps depicting auspicious signs or deities. The dark wooden handle provides a comfortable and grounding grip, allowing for effortless rotation. The small, polished weight, suspended by a delicate chain, is a functional and aesthetic enhancement, ensuring a smooth and consistent spin. This prayer wheel is not merely an object of devotion; it is a work of art, carrying the prayers and intentions of generations of practitioners. Its presence can bring a sense of tranquility and spiritual focus to any space, serving as a constant reminder of the path towards enlightenment and compassion. Whether used in personal meditation or as a decorative piece that inspires reflection, this prayer wheel offers a beautiful and meaningful connection to a rich spiritual heritage.

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.