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Fully Insured
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100% Handmade
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MADE IN INDIA.

9" Extra Fine Silver Plated Siku with Stone Mane/Prayer Wheel

$1510
Only 1 available
Specifications
WSC846
Copper with Silver Plated and Stone Work
Height: 9.5 inch
Width: 5.5 inch
Depth: 5.5 inch
Weight: 1.30 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 10 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted with 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 Sacred Symphony: The Exquisite Nepalese Siku

This meticulously crafted 9" Siku prayer wheel is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal. Its design seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with spiritual symbolism, creating a piece that is both visually stunning and deeply meaningful. The vibrant hues of the inlaid semi-precious stones dance against the gleaming silver-plated copper, evoking the celestial beauty often depicted in Buddhist and Hindu iconography. The intricate filigree work, reminiscent of ancient temple carvings, speaks to the dedication and skill of the Nepalese artisans who poured their heart and soul into its creation. Each meticulously placed stone, each carefully etched detail, whispers tales of devotion and the enduring power of faith.

The Symbolism of the Siku

In Tibetan Buddhism, the Siku, or prayer wheel, holds profound spiritual significance. The act of spinning the wheel is believed to represent the dissemination of mantras and prayers, generating positive energy and blessings for oneself and others. The cylindrical shape symbolizes the cycle of life and rebirth, a fundamental concept in Buddhist cosmology. The placement of the precious stones—often associated with specific deities or elements—further enhances the spiritual potency of the object. This particular Siku's vibrant gemstones are thought to amplify the positive energies released through the spinning of the wheel, potentially providing increased spiritual benefit to the user. The design, with its intricate detailing and embellishments, mirrors the vast and intricate tapestry of the universe as understood in Buddhist philosophy.

Cultural Context and Craftsmanship

Nepalese art is renowned for its intricate detail and spiritual symbolism. This Siku exemplifies the artistry and skill passed down through generations of Nepalese craftsmen. The base, adorned with turquoise, is a nod to the revered status of this gemstone in Tibetan and Himalayan cultures. It is often associated with protection, healing, and spiritual insight. The golden hue of the silver plating is reminiscent of the sun, a symbol of enlightenment and spiritual awakening in many Eastern religions. The overall design's harmonious blend of colours and textures reflect the balanced approach to life encouraged by Buddhist philosophy.

More Than Just an Ornament

This is not merely a decorative object; it is a functional piece of religious practice. The carefully crafted interior of the Siku holds scrolls containing mantras and prayers, further amplifying the positive energy generated by its rotation. Owning this Siku is not just acquiring a beautiful artifact; it's embracing a piece of rich cultural heritage and incorporating a time-honored practice into one's daily life. The piece's impressive size and intricate details make it a focal point for any space, yet its essence lies in its spiritual purpose. It serves as a constant reminder of the power of devotion and the beauty of spiritual practice.

A Legacy of Faith and Beauty

Bring a piece of the Himalayas into your home with this exquisite Siku. More than just a decorative item, it is a spiritual tool that connects you to the ancient traditions and rich artistic heritage of Nepal. Its intricate craftsmanship and vibrant colours will enhance any space while promoting a sense of peace and tranquility. Embrace the legacy of faith and beauty that this Siku embodies.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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