Tibetan Buddhist Set of Five Tantric Buddhist Ritual Symbols

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$213

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Specifications

	ZBO49
	Copper
	Height: 5 inch
	Width: 1 inch
	Depth: 3 inch
	Weight 530 gm

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Sacred Implements of Tantric Enlightenment

These exquisite copper ritual implements are more than mere objects; they are potent conduits of spiritual energy and profound symbolism within the rich tapestry of Tantric Buddhism. Each piece is meticulously crafted, embodying centuries of devotional practice and philosophical depth. They are designed to be held, contemplated, and used in rituals, aiding practitioners in their quest for enlightenment and the realization of ultimate truth. The core of many of these implements is the *vajra*, often referred to as a thunderbolt or diamond scepter. In Tibetan Buddhism, the vajra is a symbol of indestructibility, unyielding spiritual power, and the sharp wisdom that cuts through ignorance. It represents the masculine principle of compassion, while its companion symbol, the bell (*ghanta*), represents the feminine principle of wisdom. When united, they symbolize the inseparable nature of these two fundamental aspects of the awakened mind. The five-pointed vajra, as seen on several of these pieces, is particularly significant, representing the five wisdoms or the five Buddha families, each associated with a different aspect of enlightened consciousness.

A Pantheon of Sacred Tools

This collection presents a glimpse into the diverse array of tools employed in advanced Buddhist practices. The *kila* or ritual peg, often depicted with a three-sided point, is used to subjugate demonic forces and anchor positive energy. Tales abound of its power to quell disturbances and establish sacred space. The *hook* and *noose*, also represented here, are classic tantric instruments. The hook symbolizes the ability to draw beings toward enlightenment, much like how the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, the embodiment of compassion, is depicted with a hook to gather sentient beings from the cycle of suffering. The noose represents the skillful means and the unbreakable vows that bind practitioners to their spiritual path and to the liberation of all beings. The presence of a *damaru* or hand drum, though perhaps implied or represented abstractly by some elements, would traditionally be used to awaken the mind and call forth divine energies. The inclusion of a *pendant* or *bell* further emphasizes the auditory and vibrational aspects of Tantric ritual, which are believed to purify the mind and create a harmonious atmosphere conducive to meditation and transformation.

Craftsmanship and Devotion

Forged from durable copper, these ritual implements are designed to withstand the riguer of consistent use in devotional practices. The warm, aged patina of the copper speaks to its authenticity and the depth of spiritual energy it has absorbed over time, or the potential it holds for future blessings. The intricate detailing on each piece, from the delicate floral motifs to the precisely rendered vajra prongs and the sharp curve of the hook, reflects the skill and devotion of the artisans who created them. These are not mass-produced items but rather objects imbued with sacred intention, meant to serve as tangible reminders of the spiritual journey and the profound teachings of Tantric Buddhism. They are ideal for practitioners seeking to deepen their meditation, enhance their altar, or simply connect with the powerful symbolism of these ancient traditions.

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.