Tibetan Buddhist Ritual Box with Auspicious Ashtamangala Symbols

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$339

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Specifications

	ZCE66
	Copper
	Height: 4.7 inch
	Width: 5 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight 550 gm

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Sacred Vessels of Auspiciousness

This exquisitely crafted copper box is a testament to the rich spiritual heritage of Tibetan Buddhism. More than just a container, it serves as a vessel for sacred objects, imbued with the power of auspicious symbols and intended for ritualistic use. The deep, resonant tones of the copper evoke a sense of antiquity and reverence, while the intricate detailing speaks to the meticulous artistry of its creators. It is a piece designed to connect the user to profound spiritual practices and bring blessings into their space.

The Eight Auspicious Symbols

The sides of this ritual box are adorned with the revered Ashtamangala, the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism. These potent emblems are not mere decorations but carry deep philosophical and spiritual meaning, often invoked to overcome obstacles and bring good fortune. They represent various aspects of the Buddha's enlightenment and the path to liberation. Each symbol has a rich history, interwoven with tales of the Buddha's life and teachings. For instance, the Endless Knot symbolizes the interconnectedness of all phenomena and the union of wisdom and compassion. The victory banner signifies the triumph of Buddhism over ignorance and suffering, mirroring the legendary victory of King Ashoka's armies. The conch shell, when sounded, represents the proclamation of the Dharma, echoing the divine call to enlightenment. The lotus flower, ever pure and beautiful, arises unstained from muddy waters, symbolizing spiritual purity and detachment from worldly desires. The precious umbrella offers protection from harmful forces and afflictions, much like the mythical parasol that shaded the Buddha from the sun. The golden fish, often depicted in pairs, represent freedom from suffering and the ability to swim freely in the ocean of samsara. The vase of jewels embodies the inexhaustible treasures of the Dharma and the abundance of spiritual merit. Finally, the wheel of Dharma, with its eight spokes, represents the Buddha's Noble Eightfold Path, guiding beings towards liberation.

A Vessel for Devotion

The circular form of the box itself can be seen as a representation of the cosmic mandala, a sacred geometric design that symbolizes the universe and the abode of deities. The ornate handle atop the lid, reminiscent of a stylized lotus or a vajra (thunderbolt), further enhances its spiritual significance, serving as a point of connection for ritualistic invocations. This box is perfectly suited for holding precious relics, mantras, or other ritualistic items essential for meditation and devotional practices. Its compact size makes it an ideal addition to a home altar, a meditation space, or as a travel companion for those seeking to maintain their spiritual connection while on the go. The tactile quality of the copper and the visual richness of the symbols invite contemplation and a deeper engagement with the sacred.

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.