10" Stone Setting Ashtamangala Sankha | Made In Nepal

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MADE IN INDIA.

10" Stone Setting Ashtamangala Sankha | Made In Nepal

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Name: 10" Stone Setting Ashtamangala Sankha | Made In Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: WSC876
Price: 270.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$216

$270

20% off

Only 1 available

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Specifications

	WSC876
	Copper with Stone Work
	Height: 3.5 inch
	Width: 10 inch
	Depth: 5 inch
	Weight: 900 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 10 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted with 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.

The Sacred Conch: A Symbol of Divinity

The conch shell, or *sankha*, holds a profound significance in numerous cultures, particularly within the Hindu and Buddhist traditions. Often associated with the gods Vishnu and Varuna, the conch's resonant sound is believed to dispel negativity and invoke auspicious energies. In Hindu mythology, the Panchajanya, a divine conch wielded by Lord Krishna, is a powerful symbol of victory and dharma. Its resonant call heralded the start of battles and the triumph of good over evil. This 10-inch Ashtamangala Sankha, meticulously crafted in Nepal, embodies this rich symbolism and spiritual power. The term "Ashtamangala" refers to the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism, which are intricately inlaid across the shell's surface, enhancing its sacred nature.

Exquisite Craftsmanship and Design

This exquisite piece is not merely a religious artifact; it's a stunning work of art. Made from a natural conch shell, it’s skillfully adorned with intricate copper filigree work, showcasing the artistry of Nepali craftsmanship. The rich, deep turquoise and vibrant red stones are carefully set in a mosaic pattern, creating a captivating visual display of the eight auspicious symbols of Buddhism. These symbols, which include the Dharma wheel, the endless knot, the lotus flower, and the victory banner, are believed to bring good fortune, longevity, and spiritual enlightenment. The painstaking detail, from the meticulously carved copper accents to the precise gemstone inlays, exemplifies the dedication and skill of the Nepalese artisans. The shell's graceful form, enhanced by the artistic embellishments, makes it a striking and evocative object, perfect for meditation, ritual use, or simply as a beautiful statement piece.

The Eight Auspicious Symbols

The Ashtamangala, or eight auspicious symbols, depicted on this conch shell are much more than mere decoration. They hold deep spiritual significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism. Each symbol represents a different aspect of spiritual attainment and enlightenment. The Dharmachakra (wheel of Dharma) represents the Buddha's teachings; the endless knot symbolizes the interconnectedness of all things; the conch shell itself represents auspiciousness and victory; the parasol symbolizes protection and supreme authority; the victory banner symbolizes triumph over obstacles; the golden fish symbolize liberation from the cycle of rebirth; the lotus flower symbolizes purity and enlightenment; and the stupa symbolizes the enlightenment of the Buddha. By incorporating these powerful symbols into this meticulously crafted conch shell, the creators have infused this object with potent spiritual energy and profound meaning.

A Piece of Nepalese Heritage

This 10-inch Ashtamangala Sankha is more than just a decorative item; it represents a tangible piece of Nepali cultural heritage. The intricate craftsmanship showcases the rich artistic traditions passed down through generations of skilled artisans in Nepal. Owning this piece is not just owning a beautiful object; it is owning a piece of history and culture, imbued with spiritual significance and artistic excellence. Its beautiful design and symbolic significance make it a truly unique and special item. This handcrafted piece offers a unique glimpse into the cultural and spiritual traditions of Nepal, a country renowned for its rich artistic heritage and spiritual practices. Bring a piece of this heritage into your home and let its beauty and significance inspire you.

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.