Tibetan Buddhist Monastery Cymbals with Case

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Name: Tibetan Buddhist Monastery Cymbals with Case
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XM01
Price: 440.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$412.50

$550

25% off

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Specifications

	XM01
	Copper
	Height: 5.8 inch
	Width: 0 inch
	Depth: 0 inch
	Weight 670 gm

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Echoes of the Himalayas: Sacred Tibetan Cymbals

These exquisite Tibetan Buddhist monastery cymbals are more than just musical instruments; they are conduits of ancient tradition, spiritual resonance, and artistic mastery. Crafted from durable copper, their intricate design and resonant sound evoke the profound spiritual atmosphere of Himalayan monasteries, where such cymbals have been used for centuries to mark sacred moments and guide practitioners through meditation and ritual. The cymbals themselves are a testament to skilled craftsmanship. The rims are adorned with a series of deeply embossed figures, each telling a story or representing a spiritual concept. These motifs, rich in Buddhist symbolism, speak to the iconography found throughout Tibetan art, which often draws inspiration from tales of deities, enlightened beings, and the cyclical nature of existence. The detailed carvings suggest a connection to the iconography of the Eight Auspicious Symbols or perhaps representations of celestial beings, each imbued with symbolic meaning to aid in contemplation. The circular patterns surrounding the central boss further enhance their aesthetic appeal, drawing the eye into the heart of the instrument where its sound is born. The included case is not merely a container but an extension of the cymbals' sacred nature. Its detailed embellishments, featuring metalwork and decorative borders, echo the artistry of the cymbals themselves. This case protects these precious instruments while also presenting them as a complete, venerated set. The careful construction of the case suggests a deep respect for the cymbals within, ensuring their preservation for generations to come. In Tibetan Buddhism, the striking of cymbals serves a vital purpose beyond auditory pleasure. It is believed to awaken the mind, dispel mental obscurities, and invoke a state of pure awareness. The sound is often described as piercing the veil of illusion, cutting through the noise of everyday distractions to reveal a profound stillness. In rituals, the rhythmic clash of cymbals can signify the beginning or end of periods of chanting or meditation, guiding the collective consciousness of practitioners. They are integral to tantric practices, where their sound can be used to summon deities or purify sacred spaces. The practice of using such resonant instruments dates back centuries, intertwined with the development of Buddhist philosophy and monastic life in the Himalayas. They are said to carry the blessings of the Dharma, transmitting spiritual energy and encouraging devotion. The very act of creating these cymbals, from the selection of the copper to the meticulous embossing, is considered a form of devotional practice by the artisans who create them. Owning these Tibetan monastery cymbals is an opportunity to connect with a rich cultural heritage and a profound spiritual practice. Whether for meditation, the creation of sacred soundscapes, or as a significant piece of spiritual art, these cymbals offer a tangible link to the wisdom and devotion of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Their resonant tones and intricate beauty invite contemplation and a deeper appreciation for the power of sound to transform the mind and spirit.

A Harmonious Pair: The Cymbals and Their Vessel

The cymbals, when struck together, produce a clear, sustained tone that can be both invigorating and calming. This sound is not arbitrary; it is intended to resonate with the listener's inner being, much like the mythical bells of Shangri-La are said to awaken the soul. The copper, a metal known for its conductive properties, is believed to enhance the spiritual vibrations of the sound. The traditional pairing of two cymbals, one held slightly higher than the other, creates a unique sonic dialogue, a call and response that mirrors the interplay between the material and spiritual realms. The way the sound lingers, fading gradually, can be seen as a metaphor for the impermanence of all phenomena, a core tenet of Buddhist philosophy. The tactile experience of holding these cymbals, feeling their weight and the texture of the embossed designs, further deepens the connection to their sacred purpose.

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.