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Welcome to Handmade Handicraft
At Handmade Handicraft, we prioritize simplicity, reflected in our user-friendly website design. We have streamlined the process so everything you need is just a click away.
While our website does not support online shopping, we've incorporated a convenient shopping cart system to assist you in sending us your inquiries. Please note, we do not process payments on our site. All transactions will be handled via email, respecting the inquiries you submit.
Should you encounter any issues while submitting your inquiries, please contact us via mobile app, email, or follow the procedure outlined below. We've provided documentation to guide you through the selection process.
Good selecting Procedure
In every product you will find Order Now and Quick Inquiry buttons, they are the two process of sending us your enquiry.
For Business ordering standard quantity
This website has been designed to incorporate retail and wholesale pricing in one place. You can increase or decrease the quantity based on which you will be provided with suitable prices instantly.
For Business ordering Bluk quantity [Above 100 pcs]
This is not a direct shopping website. So no payments are needed for placing an order. Please feel free to send us an order for the product you are interested in, mentioning the approximate quantity. Based on which we will send you a wholesale price quotation.
Selling on ETSY discount
This discount is offered to ensure our prices remain highly competitive across all platforms, including Etsy. We aim to provide the best value for our customers, so we adjust our pricing to stay in line with market trends. By doing so, we continue to uphold our commitment to being the leading provider of high-quality Nepali handicrafts at the best prices.
Discount is scheduled to end on 2024-12-26 Which is 34 Days from now
Akash Yogini
Vidyadhari, the 'Knowledge Holder', manifests as one of the four principal aspects of Vajrayogini in the Newar Buddhist tradition, where she is commonly known as Bijeshwori Devi, or Akash-yogini, the Sky (Skt. akasha) or Space-going aspect of the goddess Vajrayogini. The Bijeshwori temple in Kathmandu is situated above the western bank of the Bishnumati River on the road to Swayambhu, and its Newar name is derived from Vidhyeshvari, meaning the ‘Wisdom Goddess'. The presiding goddess of this temple is specifically associated with the Indian Mahasiddha Maitripa, who practiced and attained the realization of this flying aspect of Vajrayogini at this site, so she is also known as Maitri-dakini, or Maitri-khechari.
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Full Description The temple of Bahal Bidjeshwori was once at the centre of a great cremation ground that was sacred to Vajravarahi, and its main image was Bhagavani Devi Vidyadhari Viramante, the ‘Divine Pleasure-giving Knowledge Holder Goddess’. She is the heart-dakini of Maitripa, who brought this symbol of his realization from India. On the right side of the goddess is Urdhvapada Varahi, with her left leg extended high in the sky to Brahmaloka, and her other foot pressing down upon a golden Maheshvara. On her left side is Vajravarahi (Tib. Dorje Palmo), and then the twelve-year-old virgin form of Vajrayogini as Naropa’s Dakini (Skt. Naro Khechari) or Chakreshvari, the consort of Chakrasamvara.
In the Newar Buddhist tradition the four aspects of Vajrayogini appear as the four ‘Heart Yoginis’ that form the inner circle of Great Bliss of the Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi mandalas. These are:
(1) Vajrayogini as Naropa’s Dakini or Naro Khandroma, whose temple is located at Shanku.
(2) Vajravarahi as Indrabhuti’s Dakini, or Indra Yogini, whose temple is located at Guhyeshvari.
(3) The ‘Raised Foot’ form of Vajrayogini, whose temple is located at Pharphing.
(4) Vajrayogini as Akash Yogini or Vidyadhari, whose temple is located at Bijeshwori.
Vidyadhari Vajrayogini is beautiful, playful and lusty, and youthful like a sixteen-year-old. She is the colour of a red hibiscus flower, with three lotus-like eyes, and an expression that combines the sentiments of passion and slight wrath. She is shown leaping into space in the flying posture of a sky-going dakini, with her right leg bent back at the knee, and her right leg extended in ‘raised foot’ (Skt. urdhvapada) posture and held in the crook of her left arm, such that her thighs are fully splayed. Her nubile body is perfect in proportion, with a narrow waist, and firm round breast with aroused nipples.
Her long tresses of black hair flow freely behind her back, and her head is adorned with a golden crown of five jewel-topped and carved white skulls, with loops of bone beads hanging beneath below each little skull. She wears the golden ornaments of jeweled earrings, a heavy neck choker decorated with the serpent-devouring head of a garuda, wide Newar bracelets, armlets, anklets, and finger rings. A golden breast ornament loops around her chest, with small coins hanging from its upper thread, little round bells from its lower thread, with a small endless knot and reliquary box (Tib. gau) joining the threads together between her breasts. From her golden belt hang the sixty-four filigree beaded strands of her bone apron, the joined loops of which are embellished with pendant-emblems of auspicious symbols and swans, with the large pendant near her right knee displaying a small carved image of the goddess Vidyadhari herself. An embellished Newar medallion on a long silver chain swings out behind her neck, and around her shoulders she wears a long garland of dry white skulls that are described as being fifty in number.
Vidyadhari's face is inclined upward to her left as she drinks a stream of fresh blood from the tilted skull-cup she holds in her left hand. Her drinking of blood symbolizes that she is consumed with great bliss, and her inclined posture of flying towards the left represents the importance placed upon 'left-hand rituals' within the yogini or mother-tantra traditions. With her lowered right hand she circles a vajra-handled curved knife towards the ten directions, with her index finger raised in the threatening tarjani gesture, symbolizing that she terrorizes all obstructive demons. Across her left shoulder she carries the golden staff of her tantric-staff or khatvanga, which is equal in height to her own body and represents her male consort, Chakrasamvara. The top of her khatvanga is sealed with a golden crossed-vajra and a nectar vase, the impaled blue head of Bhairava, a freshly severed head, a dry white skull, and a crowning half-vajra. A billowing silk ribbon, and a damaru and bell hang from a chain near the top of the khatvanga's shaft.
Full Fire Gold Plating
This Akash Yogini is finished with full gold plating. also known as mercury gold plating or fire gold plating. This traditional technique involves the application of a genuine layer of gold onto the Akash Yogini. Referred to as mercury gold plating, it is considered the correct and authentic form of gold plating in Nepal. Despite being more expensive than electroplating, this traditional mercury gold plating is gaining popularity again in Nepal. People are drawn to its authenticity, longevity, and the unmatched beauty it brings to the Akash Yogini. The resurgence of interest in this traditional form of gold plating reflects a growing appreciation for the craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Nepal
Mercury gold plating is a time-honored process where a real layer of gold is carefully applied to the Akash Yogini. Skilled artisans expertly handle the amalgamation of gold with mercury, ensuring precise application and stunning results. This method not only imparts a rich and lustrous appearance to the Akash Yogini but also enhances its durability, allowing the gold plating to last for an extended period.
Detailed Description of Mercury Gilding
The process of Fire Gold plating is both time-consuming and intricate, requiring skilled artisans to carefully apply the gold layer using specialized tools and techniques. Despite the labor-intensive nature of the process, the end result is a stunning work of art that is sure to impress anyone who sees it.
Source wikipedia
Fire-gilding or Wash-gilding is a process by which an amalgam of gold is applied to metallic surfaces, the mercury being subsequently volatilized, leaving a film of gold or an amalgam containing 13 to 16% mercury. In the preparation of the amalgam, the gold must first be reduced to thin plates or grains, which are heated red-hot, and thrown into previously heated mercury, until it begins to smoke. When the mixture is stirred with an iron rod, the gold is totally absorbed. The proportion of mercury to gold is generally six or eight to one. When the amalgam is cold, it is squeezed through chamois leather to separate the superfluous mercury; the gold, with about twice its weight of mercury, remains behind, forming a yellowish silvery mass with the consistency of butter.
When the metal to be gilded is wrought or chased, it ought to be covered with mercury before the amalgam is applied, that this may be more easily spread; but when the surface of the metal is plain, the amalgam may be applied to it directly. When no such preparation is applied, the surface to be gilded is simply bitten and cleaned with nitric acid. A deposit of mercury is obtained on a metallic surface using quicksilver water, a solution of mercury(II) nitrate, the nitric acid attacking the metal to which it is applied, and thus leaving a film of free metallic mercury.
The amalgam is equally spread over the prepared surface of the metal, the mercury is then sublimed by heat just sufficient for that purpose; for, if it is too great, part of the gold may be driven off, or it may run together and leave some of the surface of the metal bare. When the mercury has evaporated, which is known by the surface having entirely become of a dull yellow color, the metal must undergo other operations, by which the fine gold color is given to it. First, the gilded surface is rubbed with a scratch brush of brass wire, until its surface is smooth.
It is then covered with gilding wax and again exposed to fire until the wax is burnt off. Gilding wax is composed of beeswax mixed with some of the following substances: red ochre, verdigris, copper scales, alum, vitriol, and borax. By this operation, the color of the gilding is heightened, and the effect seems to be produced by a perfect dissipation of some mercury remaining after the former operation. The gilt surface is then covered over with potassium nitrate, alum, or other salts, ground together, and mixed into a paste with water or weak ammonia. The piece of metal thus covered is exposed to heat, and then quenched in water.
By this method, its color is further improved and brought nearer to that of gold, probably by removing any particles of copper that may have been on the gilt surface. This process, when skillfully carried out, produces gilding of great solidity and beauty, but owing to the exposure of the workmen to mercurial fumes, it is very unhealthy. There is also much loss of mercury to the atmosphere, which brings extremely serious environmental concerns as well.
This method of gilding metallic objects was formerly widespread but fell into disuse as the dangers of mercury toxicity became known. Since fire-gilding requires that the mercury be volatilized to drive off the mercury and leave the gold behind on the surface, it is extremely dangerous. Breathing the fumes generated by this process can quickly result in serious health problems, such as neurological damage and endocrine disorders since inhalation is a very efficient route for mercuric compounds to enter the body. This process has generally been supplanted by the electroplating of gold over a nickel substrate, which is more economical and less dangerous
Fire Gold Plating In Nepal
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Ceramic Molding System
The Akash Yogini has been crafted using the Ceramic mold casting process, a modern approach that provides an alternative to traditional methods such as the lost-wax system or rubber molding. Also referred to as ceramic molding, this technique involves the creation of a ceramic mold to cast the statue. The process begins by making a precise and detailed wax model of the desired sculpture. The wax model is then coated with layers of ceramic material, creating a sturdy mold. Once the mold is complete, it is fired in a kiln, causing the wax to melt and escape, leaving behind a cavity that perfectly replicates the original sculpture. Molten metal is then poured into the mold, allowing it to fill the cavity and take on the desired form. Once cooled and solidified, the ceramic mold is carefully broken away, revealing the final metal statue.
Contrary to common assumptions, this statue of Akash Yogini is not only created through the ceramic mold casting process but is also 100% hand-finished in Nepal. Skilled artisans in Nepal bring their expertise and attention to detail to add the final touches and refine the sculpture by hand. The city of Patan, renowned for its artistic heritage and craftsmanship, takes pride in being the place where this statue is entirely made. This adds a touch of authenticity and cultural significance to the artwork, as it carries the essence of the artistic traditions and craftsmanship of Patan. The combination of the modern ceramic mold casting process, the meticulous hand-finishing in Nepal, and the artistic legacy of Patan ensures that this statue of Akash Yogini is a unique and captivating piece of art.