Tibetan Buddhist Ten Syllables of Kalachakra Mandala Gau Box (Made in Nepal Portable Shrine)

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Tibetan Buddhist Ten Syllables of Kalachakra Mandala Gau Box (Made in Nepal Portable Shrine)

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$339

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Specifications

	ZDX59
	Sterling Silver with Copper Backing
	Height: 3.1 inch
	Width: 2.7 inch
	Depth: 1 inch
	Weight 70 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

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Sacred Vessel of Cosmic Harmony

This exquisite portable shrine, known as a gau box, is a powerful testament to Tibetan Buddhist traditions and artistry. Crafted with intricate detail in Nepal, it serves as a sacred container for carrying blessings and protective energies. The central motif features the profound Ten Syllables of the Kalachakra Mandala, a sacred mantra that embodies the essence of cosmic time and the interconnectedness of all existence. ––––––––––––––––––

The Kalachakra: A Cycle of Time and Enlightenment

The Kalachakra, meaning "Wheel of Time," is one of the most significant tantric systems within Tibetan Buddhism. It originates from the mythical land of Shambhala, a pure land spoken of in ancient prophecies. The Kalachakra teachings are vast and encompass a complex system of cosmology, astrology, meditation, and ritual. The Ten Syllables, when chanted or contemplated, are believed to unlock profound spiritual insights and facilitate liberation from the cycles of suffering. This gau box, adorned with these sacred syllables, is a tangible link to this ancient wisdom, allowing for its presence and protection in one's daily life. ––––––––––––––––––

Artistry and Auspicious Symbolism

Each element of this gau box is imbued with meaning. The central script is meticulously rendered, inviting deep contemplation. The border is adorned with a delicate patterned edge, reminiscent of ancient coins and seals, further enhancing its sacred aura. The overall shape, with its pointed top, evokes the sacred mountains and celestial realms central to Buddhist cosmology. The use of sterling silver with a copper backing is not merely for aesthetic appeal; the inherent properties of these metals are often associated with purity, conductivity of spiritual energy, and longevity in various spiritual traditions. The two loops on either side suggest it was designed to be worn or hung, making it a truly portable shrine, a constant companion for the devoted practitioner. ––––––––––––––––––

A Portable Sanctuary

More than just an object, this gau box is a personal sanctuary. It can be opened to house sacred relics, mantras, blessed grains, or miniature paintings, transforming it into a miniature altar that can travel with you. Whether kept in a personal meditation space, carried during travels, or worn close to the heart, this piece offers a constant connection to the protective and enlightening power of the Kalachakra teachings. Its small size makes it unobtrusive yet profoundly significant, a reminder of the vast spiritual universe contained within even the smallest of forms. This artifact is a bridge between the earthly and the divine, a beautiful and potent symbol of devotion and spiritual aspiration.

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.