Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel from Nepal

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$189.75

$253

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZDZ41
	Brass and Copper with Inlay
	Height: 9.3 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 660 gm

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

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to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

An Emblem of Peace and Enlightenment

This exquisite Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel is a testament to the rich artisanal traditions of Nepal. Handcrafted with meticulous care, it embodies a deep spiritual significance, offering a tangible connection to ancient practices and profound philosophies. The vibrant mosaic of turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli inlay against a backdrop of finely worked brass and copper creates a visually stunning piece that is both sacred and aesthetically captivating. The prayer wheel is central to Tibetan Buddhism, symbolizing the turning of the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha. It is believed that spinning the wheel, which typically contains thousands of mantras printed on paper or etched onto metal scrolls, is equivalent to reciting them aloud. Each rotation is said to generate a merit of immense spiritual power, purifying negative karma and accumulating positive merit. The act of spinning is a form of meditation, promoting mindfulness and a sense of inner peace.

Sacred Geometry and Auspicious Symbolism

The decorative motifs adorning this prayer wheel are rich in symbolic meaning within Buddhist cosmology. The central design, reminiscent of a lotus flower, is a powerful symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and compassion, as the lotus grows from mud but remains unstained. The intricate patterns and the harmonious blend of colors evoke the sacred mandalas used for meditation, which represent the universe and the path to enlightenment. The turquoise, a stone associated with wisdom, healing, and protection, and the deep blue of lapis lazuli, often linked to the heavens and spiritual insight, further enhance the wheel's auspicious qualities. In Tibetan culture, prayer wheels are not merely objects of devotion but also considered to be powerful conduits of positive energy. They are often placed in monasteries, temples, or even in homes, where the gentle turning can send blessings and good wishes into the world. The legend of the first prayer wheel is attributed to the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is said to have devised it as a way to gather merit for all sentient beings.

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship

This particular prayer wheel is a fine example of the skill and dedication of Nepalese artisans. The base, with its intricate detailing and inlaid patterns, provides a stable and elegant foundation for the spinning cylinder. The cylinder itself is a masterpiece of mosaic work, with each tiny piece of stone carefully cut and placed to form a seamless, vibrant surface. The conical finial at the top, also adorned with inlaid stones, adds a touch of spiritual elevation. The use of brass and copper, metals with their own symbolic significance in many cultures, adds a warm, earthy tone that complements the precious stones. Owning this prayer wheel is an opportunity to possess a piece of functional art that carries a profound spiritual legacy, a reminder of the enduring pursuit of peace and enlightenment.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is the statue hollow or solid ?

A. Brass statues are made through a process of clay casting, hence are hollow. Whereas, panchaloha bronze statues are made through a process of lost wax casting, hence they are solid.
Q. Can I return the statue ?

A. Of course you can return a statue. Returns need to be initiated within seven (7) days after delivery. All returned items must be in new and unused condition, with all original tags and labels attached. To know more about our Return Policy, please visit Return Policy.
Q. Can you customise the statue for me ?

A. For any customisation, kindly email us at help@exoticindia.com.