Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel (cho-kor or khorten)

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$64.50

$86

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Specifications

	XI08
	Brass and Copper with Inlay
	Height: 4.6 inch
	Width: 2.5 inch
	Depth: 2.5 inch
	Weight 170 gm

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Embrace Serenity and Blessings

This exquisite Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel, known as a "cho-kor" or "khorten" in its native tongue, is a miniature marvel designed to bring peace and spiritual merit into your life. Crafted with meticulous detail from brass and copper, its surfaces are adorned with vibrant inlays of turquoise and striking red stones, interspersed with patterns that echo ancient Tibetan artistry. The cylindrical body, capped with a faceted finial, is designed to be spun, releasing the power of the mantras contained within. The tradition of the prayer wheel is deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy. It is believed that spinning a prayer wheel is equivalent to reciting the prayers or mantras inscribed on its inner scroll, accumulating merit and positive karma. The most common mantra found within prayer wheels is "Om Mani Padme Hum," a sacred invocation that embodies the essence of compassion and wisdom. Legend tells of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is said to have taught this mantra to the people of Tibet, offering them a path to enlightenment. In the hands of a devoted practitioner, the prayer wheel becomes a conduit for channeling positive energy and dispelling negativity.

A Testament to Craftsmanship and Culture

The striking visual appeal of this prayer wheel is enhanced by its intricate inlay work. The vibrant turquoise, revered in Tibetan culture for its protective and healing properties, is set against a backdrop of rich red stones, creating a dynamic and visually captivating design. The use of brass and copper adds to its durability and gives it a warm, inviting aesthetic. This piece is not merely a devotional object; it is also a work of art, reflecting the skill and dedication of the artisans who brought it to life. The delicate golden symbols of Sanskrit mantras are carefully embedded, each rotation a whispered blessing. The prayer wheel's form itself holds symbolic meaning. The cylindrical body represents the teachings of the Buddha, while the turning of the wheel signifies the unfolding of these teachings and their dissemination throughout the world. The top finial often represents the enlightened mind, and the base can symbolize the foundation of practice. Its compact size makes it an ideal companion for meditation spaces, desks, or as a portable item to carry intentions wherever you go.

A Symbol of Hope and Transformation

In Tibetan Buddhism, the act of spinning a prayer wheel is an outward expression of an inward journey. It is a tangible reminder to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and equanimity in the face of life's challenges. Even without a deep understanding of Buddhist doctrine, the gentle turning of this prayer wheel can create a calming and centering effect, fostering a sense of peace and well-being. It serves as a beautiful and meaningful addition to any home, inviting contemplation and a connection to a rich spiritual heritage. Whether as a personal devotional tool or a thoughtful gift for someone special, this prayer wheel offers a pathway to inner harmony and a touch of timeless wisdom.

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.