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.

Tibetan Trumpet (dung)

$254.25
$339
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
EC35
Copper with Turquoise
Weight 500 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 Horn of Spiritual Significance

Behold an exquisite piece of artistry and spiritual tradition, carefully crafted from copper and adorned with genuine turquoise. More than just a decorative item, this object carries a profound cultural weight, representing a tangible link to ancient Tibetan Buddhist practices. Imagine owning not just a statue, but a symbol of deep spiritual resonance and artistic skill.

Echoes of Ritual and Mythology

In Tibetan Buddhism, instruments such as this trumpet play a vital role in religious ceremonies. Their sounds are not merely auditory; they are believed to awaken deities, dispel negative energies, and guide the consciousness of practitioners. The deep, resonant tones are used to announce the start of rituals, call monks to prayer, and mark significant moments within the liturgical calendar. The use of wind instruments themselves hearkens back to an older tradition of Tibetan Shamanism, where such instruments could be used to signal to different nature spirits and ancestors. The inclusion of turquoise is equally significant. In Tibetan culture, turquoise is more than just a beautiful gemstone. It is believed to possess protective properties, warding off evil and bringing good fortune to its wearer or bearer. Some legends speak of turquoise being a solidified piece of the sky, fallen to earth as a gift to humanity. It is closely associated with the element of water, purity, and healing. Its vibrant blue-green hue evokes images of mountain lakes and flowing rivers, all considered sacred in the Tibetan landscape.

Craftsmanship and Aesthetics

This piece is meticulously wrought from copper, a metal valued for its durability, malleability, and rich, warm color. Skilled artisans have shaped and decorated the copper body, enhancing its beauty with delicate ornamental flourishes. The careful placement of turquoise cabochons not only enriches the visual appeal but also amplifies the protective and spiritual essence of this unique artifact. The combination of lustrous copper and vibrant turquoise creates a stunning contrast, drawing the eye and inviting closer inspection. Please note that due to the handcrafted nature of this item, slight variations in color, texture, and dimensions may occur, adding to its unique character and charm. Dimensions: 0.0 x 0.0 x 0.0 inch

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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image

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.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy