Tibetan Buddhist Goddess Kurukulla Gau Box (Portable Shrine) - Made in Nepal

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$825

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZDX57
	Sterling Silver with Copper Backing
	Height: 3.7 inch
	Width: 3.5 inch
	Depth: 1.8 inch
	Weight 140 gm

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Invoke the Power of Compassion and Enchantment

This exquisite portable shrine, a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, encapsulates the vibrant energy of the Tibetan Buddhist goddess Kurukulla. Crafted from sterling silver with a copper backing, this sacred object is designed to be a personal sanctuary, a focal point for devotion, and a conduit for spiritual energy. The intricate details of the relief sculpture depict Kurukulla in her dynamic form, a powerful deity associated with magnetism, enchantment, and the subjugation of negative forces through compassion and wisdom. The image of Kurukulla is central to the practice of many Buddhist practitioners, particularly those following Tantric traditions. Often depicted with a vibrant red complexion, she embodies passion and skillful means, using her power to attract and convert beings towards enlightenment. She is frequently shown dancing, symbolizing her dynamic and transformative nature, and holding a bow and arrow made of flowers, signifying her ability to pierce through ignorance and attachment with the arrows of loving-kindness and understanding. In some depictions, she is shown trampling a male figure, representing the transcendence of ego and worldly desires. This portable shrine captures this powerful imagery, offering a tangible representation of her divine presence for meditation and prayer. ––––––––––

A Sacred Vessel of Devotion

This gau box serves as a sacred vessel, traditionally used to hold relics, mantras, or small statues, creating a personal altar that can be carried and revered. The meticulous craftsmanship evident in this piece speaks to the devotional intensity of its creators. Each curve, every etched detail, is imbued with spiritual significance, reflecting centuries of tradition and artistry passed down through generations in the Himalayan region. The use of sterling silver not only lends an ethereal beauty and durability to the object but also carries symbolic weight, representing purity and the radiant nature of awakened consciousness. The copper backing provides a solid foundation, grounding the divine energy represented by the silver. The presence of Kurukulla, one of the Dakinis, adds another layer of mystique and power. Dakinis are often depicted as celestial dancers who guide and protect practitioners on the spiritual path. Kurukulla's specific domain of influence extends to captivating the minds and hearts of others, fostering harmonious relationships, and overcoming obstacles in both worldly and spiritual pursuits. This portable shrine is more than just an artifact; it is a tool for transformation, inviting the practitioner to connect with the boundless energy of this powerful goddess, to cultivate magnetizing qualities, and to overcome challenges with grace and skill. It is a beautiful and meaningful object for anyone seeking to deepen their spiritual practice and invite the blessings of Kurukulla into their lives.

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.