Tibetan Buddhist Mahakala Wall Hanging Mask

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$90.75

$121

25% off

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Specifications

	ZBV71
	Wood,Copper and Brass
	Height: 9.2 inch
	Width: 7.3 inch
	Depth: 3.7 inch
	Weight 400 gm

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 Manifestation of Ferocious Compassion

This striking mask, crafted from wood and adorned with intricate copper and brass detailing, embodies a powerful protector from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It is not merely an object of art, but a visual representation of fierce compassion, designed to evoke awe and inspire protection. The mask's arresting visage, with its wide, staring eyes and bared fangs, is intended to overwhelm negative forces and ward off spiritual obstacles.

Mahakala: The Great Black One

The mask portrays Mahakala, a wrathful deity, one of the most important protector deities in Tibetan Buddhism. Mahakala is often depicted in a fearsome form, symbolizing the overcoming of ignorance and delusion, the darkest aspects of the human mind. He is seen as a manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, who adopts a wrathful form to powerfully defend the Dharma and its practitioners. Tales describe Mahakala as a guardian who dispels hindrances and protects those who follow the spiritual path, ensuring their progress towards enlightenment.

Artistry and Symbolism

The artistry involved in this mask is evident in the skilled carving of the wood and the meticulous placement of the metal embellishments. The interplay of dark wood, burnished copper, and gleaming brass creates a dynamic and visually compelling piece. Each element, from the swirling patterns on the forehead to the sharp teeth, carries symbolic weight. The multiple faces adorning the headdress can represent different aspects of Mahakala's power or the overcoming of various negativities. The overall composition speaks to a rich cultural heritage where art and spirituality are deeply interwoven.

A Sacred Guardian for Your Space

This Mahakala mask is more than just a decorative item; it is a powerful amulet imbued with spiritual significance. Whether displayed in a meditation room, a sanctuary, or any space where one seeks protection and a reminder of inner strength, it serves as a constant presence of fierce, protective energy. It is a tangible connection to ancient traditions and a testament to the enduring power of belief and artistic expression. Invite this formidable guardian into your home and feel its protective aura transform your surroundings.

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.