Made in Nepal Large Size Prayer Wheel (Tibetan Buddhist)

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

$500

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Notify me when this item is available

Specifications

	ZDF61
	Wood and Copper
	Height: 16 inch
	Width: 14.5 inch
	Depth: 8.5 inch
	Weight 2.80 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 35 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 Conduit of Serenity and Wisdom

Embrace the profound peace and spiritual resonance of Tibetan Buddhism with this exquisitely crafted prayer wheel. Originating from the heart of Nepal, a land steeped in ancient traditions and spiritual devotion, this piece is more than just an object; it is a tangible connection to millennia of wisdom and practice. The act of turning a prayer wheel is believed to purify negative karma, accumulate merit, and send prayers and mantras out into the world. Legend has it that when the great yogi Naropa was seeking enlightenment, the deity Vajrayogini appeared to him and showed him how to spin a prayer wheel, thereby accelerating his spiritual progress.

Artisan Craftsmanship from the Roof of the World

This substantial prayer wheel is a testament to the meticulous artistry of Nepalese artisans. The main cylinder, intricately adorned with raised copper inscriptions, is cradled within a robust, hand-carved wooden stand. The dark, rich wood, expertly shaped and detailed, features traditional patterns that echo the sacred geometry found in Buddhist art. The juxtaposition of the smooth, cool copper mantras against the textured, dark wood creates a visually striking and tactile experience. The copper elements, depicting the sacred mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," are applied with precision, making each inscription stand out with an almost luminous quality. This mantra, a cornerstone of Tibetan Buddhist practice, is said to embody the essence of all teachings and to evoke the compassion of Avalokiteśvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. ––––––––––––––––––

A Symbol of Enlightenment and Compassion

The design of this prayer wheel is deeply symbolic. The cylindrical form represents the wheel of Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha that bring enlightenment and liberation. As the wheel spins, it symbolizes the turning of the Dharma, spreading its teachings throughout the universe. The mantras inscribed upon it, when spun, are believed to be broadcasted, benefiting all sentient beings. Culturally, the prayer wheel is an indispensable tool for pilgrims, monks, and lay practitioners alike. It is often found in monasteries, temples, and homes across the Himalayan regions, serving as a constant reminder of the path to awakening. The act of engaging with the prayer wheel is not merely ritualistic; it is a meditative practice that cultivates mindfulness, concentration, and a deep sense of interconnectedness. This particular piece, with its generous size and commanding presence, is designed to be a focal point in any spiritual space, inviting contemplation and fostering an atmosphere of tranquility.

A Legacy of Devotion

This substantial prayer wheel is crafted from a harmonious blend of wood and copper, materials chosen for their beauty and symbolic significance. The wood, sturdy and enduring, provides the foundation and structure, symbolizing stability and the grounded nature of practice. The copper, a precious metal often associated with auspiciousness and spiritual energy, brings a luminous warmth to the sacred mantras. Each element has been thoughtfully combined to create an object that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also spiritually potent. It is an heirloom-quality piece, designed to be cherished and utilized for years to come, passing down the tradition of devotion and the blessings it carries.

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.