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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel with Ashtamangala Symbols

$178
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEM07
Copper,Brass and wood
Height: 16.6 inch
Width: 4.5 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 520 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Symphony of Spirituality: The Tibetan Prayer Wheel

Embrace a tradition steeped in centuries of devotion with this exquisite Tibetan prayer wheel. Crafted from a harmonious blend of rich copper, gleaming brass, and warm wood, this piece is more than just an artifact; it's a conduit for mindfulness and a tangible connection to ancient wisdom. As you hold its smooth wooden handle, the weight of the meticulously crafted metal cylinder in your hand evokes a sense of groundedness, a perfect counterpoint to the spiritual aspirations it represents.

Whispers of the Himalayas: The Essence of the Prayer Wheel

The Tibetan prayer wheel is a cornerstone of Buddhist practice, believed to impart the blessings of the mantras contained within its cylindrical form. Each rotation is said to be equivalent to reciting the mantra inscribed upon the scroll inside, multiplying merit and purifying negative karma. Legend tells that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, introduced the prayer wheel, inspired by the turning of the Dharma wheel, a metaphor for the Buddha's teachings. Its spinning motion symbolizes the continuous flow of compassion and wisdom, spreading positive energy outwards into the world.

Sacred Symbols: The Ashtamangala Guardians

Adorning the exterior of this prayer wheel are the revered Ashtamangala, the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism. Each symbol carries profound meaning and is believed to bring good fortune and ward off negativity. You will find the Endless Knot, representing the interconnectedness of all things and the wisdom of the Buddha; the Parasol, symbolizing protection from suffering; the Golden Fish, signifying freedom from fear and drowning in the ocean of suffering; the Lotus Flower, a sign of purity and spiritual enlightenment; the Conch Shell, calling forth the Dharma; the Victory Banner, signifying the victory of the Buddha's teachings; the Treasure Vase, bestowing long life and prosperity; and the Wheel of Dharma, the eight-spoked symbol representing the Buddha's noble eightfold path. These intricately embossed symbols, rendered in striking brass against the copper backdrop, are not merely decorative but serve as constant reminders of the spiritual path and its ultimate rewards.

Artistry and Devotion: Crafted for Serenity

The masterful craftsmanship of this prayer wheel is evident in every detail. The smooth, dark wood of the handle provides a comfortable grip, leading to a precisely engineered rotating mechanism. The copper cylinder gleams with a warm patina, brought to life by the raised brass detailing of the mantra inscriptions and the auspicious symbols. A small, weighted chain with a pendulum, characteristic of Tibetan prayer wheels, aids in maintaining a steady rotation with each gentle spin. This beautiful object is designed not only for its spiritual function but also as a piece of art that can bring a sense of tranquility and sacredness to any space. It serves as a beautiful reminder to cultivate inner peace and engage in mindful practice, making it a cherished addition to any home or meditation space.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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