Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel with Inlay

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$550

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	ZAY07
	Brass and Copper with Inlay
	Height: 16 inch
	Width: 7 inch
	Depth: 7 inch
	Weight 2.60 kg

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Return within 7 days of
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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Sacred Vessel of Merit and Wisdom

This exquisite prayer wheel is more than just a decorative piece; it is a conduit for spiritual practice and a testament to the rich traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted from a harmonious blend of brass and copper, its surface is adorned with vibrant inlays of turquoise and red, reminiscent of the sacred colors often found in monastic art and mandalas. The detailed inscriptions, believed to be the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum in Tibetan script, encircle the cylinder, signifying boundless compassion and skillful means.

Echoes of Ancient Devotion

In the realm of Tibetan Buddhism, prayer wheels are potent tools for accumulating merit and purifying negative karma. It is believed that spinning a prayer wheel clockwise, with sincere intention, is equivalent to reciting the mantras contained within its core. The practice is said to generate immense spiritual benefit, sending waves of peace and well-being into the world. Ancient tales speak of the first prayer wheels being introduced by the Buddhist sage Atisha in the 11th century, who learned of their power from a Naga king. This tradition continues to be a central aspect of devotion for many followers, fostering mindfulness and connection to the divine.

A Tapestry of Color and Symbolism

The striking visual appeal of this prayer wheel is amplified by its intricate inlay work. The alternating panels of turquoise, symbolizing the boundless sky and purity, and vibrant red, representing life force and energy, create a dynamic and captivating aesthetic. Each circular medallion on the wheel features a sacred syllable, such as "Om" or "Hum," rendered in gleaming brass. These syllables are the essence of powerful mantras, each carrying profound spiritual significance. The overall design evokes a sense of serenity and profound spirituality, inviting contemplation and inner peace.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition

Handcrafted by skilled artisans, this prayer wheel embodies a deep respect for the materials and techniques passed down through generations. The use of brass and copper, metals often associated with spiritual practices and the creation of sacred objects, lends an aura of authenticity and reverence to the piece. The precise inlay of the colorful stones speaks to the meticulous attention to detail and the dedication involved in creating such a meaningful artifact. This prayer wheel is not merely an object; it is a sacred artifact imbued with the blessings of countless prayers and the artistry of devoted hands.

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.