Tibetan Buddhist Gau Box from Nepal (Portable Shrine)

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$406

Includes any tariffs and taxes

The concept of the gau originates from and is largely restricted to Tibetan Buddhism itself. Basically a portable shrine designed for the devotee to wear on one's crossbelt or even as a locket, Tibetan gaus are characterised by richly ornamental metalwork. This glimmering copper gau has been handpicked from the produce of obscure artisans in Nepal for its signature beauty and finish. The ample florals surrounding the frontal opening are symbolic of the paradise realm of the deity you choose to house within (preferably your ishtadeva); while the faunal motifs such as snow lions, deers, birds, and snails are each pregnant with meaning drawn from traditional Tibetan art. Note the winged Kirtimukha atop the opening of the gau. It is the norm that the deity in question is wrapped in silks and placed within the view offered by the shrine. One may place the gau in an altar when not travelling.

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Specifications

	ZDX79
	Copper Statue
	Height: 5.5 inch
	Width: 4.5 inch
	Depth: 2 inch
	Weight 290 gm

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A Sacred Sanctuary in Your Hands

This exquisite copper box, known as a Gau, serves as a portable shrine, a personal sanctuary designed to hold sacred objects and invoke spiritual protection. Originating from Nepal, a land steeped in rich Buddhist traditions, this intricately crafted piece is more than just an artifact; it is a vessel for devotion, a tangible link to the spiritual heart of Tibet. Its detailed ornamentation speaks of centuries of artistry and religious significance, making it a profound addition to any collection or personal practice. The Gau box is traditionally used by Tibetan Buddhists to carry amulets, mantras, small statues, or sacred relics, ensuring that blessings and protection are always within reach, whether on a pilgrimage or in daily life. In Tibetan cosmology, protective deities and symbols are often depicted to ward off negative energies and promote well-being. The dense, interwoven patterns and mythical creatures adorning this box are not merely decorative; they are potent symbols meant to create a shield of spiritual defense for its owner. The presence of what appears to be auspicious animals and architectural motifs suggests a deep connection to the belief in a benevolent universe and the importance of harmonizing with its energies.

Echoes of Myth and Tradition

The artistry of this Gau box draws inspiration from the vast tapestry of Tibetan Buddhism and its rich folklore. The depictions of dragons, often associated with power, wisdom, and the control of natural forces, might symbolize the taming of inner demons or the mastery of one's environment. The inclusion of what could be celestial beings or guardian spirits further enhances its protective qualities, echoing tales of enlightened beings watching over devotees. The architectural elements, resembling temple facades or stupas, evoke the sacred spaces where profound spiritual practices take place, bringing the sanctity of these places into the palm of your hand. These symbolic representations are deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the Himalayas, where art and spirituality are inextricably linked, transforming everyday objects into conduits of divine grace.

A Testament to Craftsmanship

Fashioned from copper, a metal revered for its conductive and purifying properties in many spiritual traditions, this Gau box embodies both aesthetic beauty and spiritual potency. The meticulous detailing, from the fine lines of the engraved motifs to the perfectly formed curves, showcases the skill of Nepalese artisans. Each element has been carefully considered and rendered, creating a tactile and visual experience that invites contemplation. The compact size of this portable shrine makes it an ideal companion, allowing you to carry its sacred essence with you wherever you go, a constant reminder of your spiritual path and the protective energies surrounding you. This piece is a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhist art, offering a glimpse into a world where beauty and devotion intertwine seamlessly.

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.