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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 35 Days from now
Mahakala Four Arms
Chaturbhuja Mahakala, meaning "four-armed Mahakala," is a revered deity in Tibetan Buddhism. This form of Mahakala is associated with power, protection, and the ability to overcome obstacles. With a fierce expression and a dark complexion, Chaturbhuja Mahakala is depicted with four arms, each holding significant symbolic objects. Devotees turn to this deity for guidance and assistance on their spiritual journey.
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Iconography:
Chaturbhuja Mahakala is depicted with a wrathful appearance. His four arms hold various symbolic attributes, including a sword in the top right hand, representing the cutting of ignorance and obstacles. The other hands may hold a trident (trishula), a skull cup (kapala), and a lasso (pasha). He typically stands atop a corpse, symbolizing the transcendence of death and impermanence.
History:
The origins of Chaturbhuja Mahakala can be traced back to ancient Indian Buddhism, where the concept of Mahakala as a wrathful deity emerged. This form gained prominence in Tibetan Buddhism and is highly revered in the Kagyu and Gelug lineages. Chaturbhuja Mahakala is seen as a guardian and protector of the teachings and practitioners.
Temples and Monasteries:
While specific temples or monasteries dedicated solely to Chaturbhuja Mahakala may not be widely known, various Buddhist monasteries and temples in Nepal, such as Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kopan Monastery, and Shechen Monastery, incorporate worship and reverence for Mahakala within their sacred spaces.
Benefits of practicing Chaturbhuja Mahakala:
Devotees believe that practicing Chaturbhuja Mahakala can bring protection from negative influences, removal of obstacles, and the development of inner strength and fearlessness. By connecting with this deity, practitioners seek spiritual growth, transformation, and the attainment of enlightenment.
How to practice:
Practices associated with Chaturbhuja Mahakala involve mantra recitation, visualization, meditation, and ritual offerings. Engaging in ethical conduct, cultivating compassion, and dedicating one's actions for the benefit of all beings are also important aspects of the practice.
Mantras of Chaturbhuja Mahakala:
The primary mantra associated with Chaturbhuja Mahakala is "OM BENZA MAHAKALA HUNG PHAT." Chanting this mantra with devotion and focus is believed to invoke the blessings and protective power of Chaturbhuja Mahakala. Various lineages and practices may also have their own unique mantras associated with this deity.
Shakti : Introduction
Shakti Yab-yum is a common symbol in Nepalese and Tibetan art. It represents the primordial union of wisdom and compassion, depicted as a male deity in union with his female consort via the similar concept of interpenetration or "coalescence," as illustrated by the concept of Indra's net. The male figure represents compassion and dexterity, while the female figure represents insight. The female is seated on the male's lap in yab-yum. A rare rendition of a similar figure, but reversed, with the male sitting on the female's lap, is known as yum-yab.
Yab-yum is widely regarded as representing the primordial union of wisdom and compassion. The masculine form is active in Buddhism, representing the compassion and skillful means that must be developed in order to achieve enlightenment. The feminine form is passive and represents wisdom, both of which are required for enlightenment. The figures, when joined, represent the union required to remove the veils of Maya, the false duality of object and subject.
These figures are frequently worked into statues or reliefs, or they are painted on thangkas. Yab-yum can also be represented by the aniconic symbols yantra and mandala.
In Tibetan Buddhism In Tibetan Buddhism, the same ideas are to be found concerning the bell and the dorje, which, like the yab-yum, symbolize the dualism that must be transcended. The sacred Tantric practice leads to rapid development of mind by using the experience of bliss, non-duality, and ecstasy while in communion with one's consort, either visualized, or in the case of advanced practitioners, in some cases physical. In one important Anuttarayoga text, where Tilopa expounds the meaning to Naropa, it is said:
When you rely on a consort, the wisdom of empty bliss will arise, so enter into union—the blessing of method and wisdom. Bring it down slowly, retain it, reverse it, and draw it back up. Bring it to the places in the body and let it spread throughout. When you remain free of desire, the wisdom of empty bliss will appear.
Indicating the advanced nature of the actual practice with consort, the verses are the last in what is already widely considered as a text for the most advanced practitioners, a fact clearly evident in the story about Naropa's receiving the teaching.
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Ceramic Molding System
The Mahakala Four Arms 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 Mahakala Four Arms 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 Mahakala Four Arms is a unique and captivating piece of art.
HOW TO CAST A CERAMIC MOLD
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Shakti : Introduction
Shakti Yab-yum is a common symbol in Nepalese and Tibetan art. It represents the primordial union of wisdom and compassion, depicted as a male deity in union with his female consort via the similar concept of interpenetration or "coalescence," as illustrated by the concept of Indra's net. The male figure represents compassion and dexterity, while the female figure represents insight. The female is seated on the male's lap in yab-yum. A rare rendition of a similar figure, but reversed, with the male sitting on the female's lap, is known as yum-yab.
Yab-yum is widely regarded as representing the primordial union of wisdom and compassion. The masculine form is active in Buddhism, representing the compassion and skillful means that must be developed in order to achieve enlightenment. The feminine form is passive and represents wisdom, both of which are required for enlightenment. The figures, when joined, represent the union required to remove the veils of Maya, the false duality of object and subject.
These figures are frequently worked into statues or reliefs, or they are painted on thangkas. Yab-yum can also be represented by the aniconic symbols yantra and mandala.
In Tibetan Buddhism In Tibetan Buddhism, the same ideas are to be found concerning the bell and the dorje, which, like the yab-yum, symbolize the dualism that must be transcended. The sacred Tantric practice leads to rapid development of mind by using the experience of bliss, non-duality, and ecstasy while in communion with one's consort, either visualized, or in the case of advanced practitioners, in some cases physical. In one important Anuttarayoga text, where Tilopa expounds the meaning to Naropa, it is said:
When you rely on a consort, the wisdom of empty bliss will arise, so enter into union—the blessing of method and wisdom. Bring it down slowly, retain it, reverse it, and draw it back up. Bring it to the places in the body and let it spread throughout. When you remain free of desire, the wisdom of empty bliss will appear.
Indicating the advanced nature of the actual practice with consort, the verses are the last in what is already widely considered as a text for the most advanced practitioners, a fact clearly evident in the story about Naropa's receiving the teaching.
Read More
Full Gold Gilded with Antique Patina.
The Mahakala Four Arms has full gold plated antique finishing. This finishing is a combination of fire mercury gold plating and antique finishing. This traditional technique involves the application of a genuine layer of gold onto the Mahakala Four Arms using the time-honored process of mercury gold plating. Skilled artisans meticulously handle the amalgamation of gold with mercury, ensuring precise application and a truly authentic result. To enhance its charm further, the Mahakala Four Arms undergoes an antique finishing process. This meticulous treatment adds a touch of age and character to the gold plating, creating a sense of antiquity. Through careful craftsmanship and the application of specialized techniques, the Mahakala Four Arms acquires a beautifully aged appearance that adds depth and uniqueness to its overall aesthetic.
The fire mercury gold plating with antique finishing showcases the artisan's dedication to preserving traditional techniques and capturing the essence of timeless elegance. The combination of gold plating and antique finishing lends the Mahakala Four Arms an exquisite and enchanting allure, making it a cherished piece that stands out with its enduring beauty.
Detailed Description of Mercury Gilding - 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 by means of 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 being equally spread over the prepared surface of the metal, the mercury is then sublimed by a 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.
