Tibetan Buddhist Mahakala Wall Hanging - Made in Nepal

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$167

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Specifications

	ZEL77
	Copper Statue
	Height: 3.6 inch
	Width: 2.9 inch
	Depth: 0.4 inch
	Weight 180 gm

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Protection: The Fearsome Mahakala

This exquisite copper wall hanging, meticulously crafted in Nepal, depicts Mahakala, one of the most significant and wrathful protective deities in Tibetan Buddhism. Often referred to as the "Great Black One," Mahakala is a fierce emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. His formidable appearance is not one of malice, but rather a potent symbol of the power to overcome obstacles, negativity, and the demons that impede spiritual progress. His many arms, often depicted in dynamic poses, represent his ability to act on multiple fronts simultaneously, offering unwavering protection to practitioners on their path to enlightenment. The intensity of his expression, the flames that often wreathe him, and the various implements he wields all signify his active and decisive role in dispelling ignorance and delusion.

A Guardian in Miniature Form

The artistry of this piece captures the essence of Mahakala's powerful presence in a compact and intricate form. The copper material lends a timeless quality, its subtle patina hinting at the ancient traditions from which this iconography originates. Each detail, from the serene yet fierce visage to the numerous hands and symbolic attributes, is rendered with remarkable precision. This wall hanging is more than just an object of art; it is a conduit for invoking protection and spiritual strength. It can serve as a personal altar piece, a powerful amulet, or a beautiful reminder of the inherent power of the awakened mind to conquer all adversities. Its size makes it suitable for a variety of spaces, bringing a sense of sacredness and protective energy wherever it is placed.

Echoes of Ancient Lore

The legends surrounding Mahakala are rich and varied, originating from the tantric traditions of Buddhism. He is often invoked during times of great difficulty, serving as a fearsome guardian against spiritual and worldly hindrances. Tales describe him as the protector of the sacred teachings, ensuring their purity and efficacy for generations to come. In some narratives, he is seen as the personification of time itself, its relentless march ultimately leading to transformation and liberation. His wrathful aspect is said to be a manifestation of profound wisdom, capable of cutting through attachment and aversion with equal force. By having an image of Mahakala in one's presence, practitioners aim to invite his blessings and protection, drawing strength from his unwavering commitment to safeguarding the Dharma and all beings who seek liberation. This particular rendition, born from the skilled hands of Nepalese artisans, carries with it the spiritual lineage and devotional practices that have been preserved for centuries in the heart of the Himalayas.

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.