Welcome to Online Buddhist Shop where you can buy Buddha statues, Tibetan Thangkas, Singing Tibetan Bowls, 925 Silver Jewelry, Beaded jewelry, Antiques, Collectibles, Tibetan Silver Jewelry, Buddhist Gifts, Ritual items from anywhere in the world via payment methods like Credit Card, Bank Wire, Paypal etc. We bring you products handmade by a group of fine artists from Patan, the heart of handicraft industry in Nepal, directly from our workshop. We are a manufacturer and dealer of Nepalese handicrafts. You can trust and rely on us 100% for High quality products and services because of the following reason.

• Our Company is Authenticated and verified by Alibaba and VeriSign. Alibaba partners with VeriSign to verify and authenticate the existence and genuineness of the company.
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• Shakyahandicraft.com is owned by Shakya Handicraft Pvt. Ltd. which is legally registered under the company Act of Government of Nepal.

Buddha Statues

Buddha statues demonstrate 'Buddharupas' which represent the teachings of the Buddha. The path of enlightenment to achieve Nirvana is the ultimate goal of Buddhism. Buddha statue itself is the symbol of sacred learning, which is represented in almost every portion of the statue. The Buddha statues are mostly admired for home and garden decoration. Buddha statues inspire us to develop inner happiness and satisfaction.

Visit our store for beautiful Buddha statues handmade by professional artisans of Patan, Nepal.

Singing Tibetan Bowls Singing bowls also known as Singing Tibetan bowls, healing bowls, crystal bowls, Himalayan bowls, medicine bowls are popular for their special healing and relaxing qualities, introduced by ancient Tibetan. Healing bowls also called as ring gongs and also suzu gongs throughout Japan, the uniquely shaped sacred bowls. They are usually regarded as an instrument connected with meditation and peacefulness, an origin of valuable power by means of tone oscillations. Whenever the surface of the bowl is struck it produces a prolonged, reverberating sound wave which in turn calms the feels. Relaxing and exquisite singing bowls from Nepal, for details and more information see here-> Healing bowls

Tibetan Thangka Thangka paintings are also known as Pauba paintings in Nepal. Buddhist Thangka is the Tibetan version of ancient Buddhist scroll paintings practiced since Buddha's era in Nepal and India. Tibetan Thangkas originated in Nepal's Kathmandu valley where Newari Vajrayana Buddhist culture is practiced. Newari paubha art is the foundation of today's Tibetan Thangkas. Various philosophical and religious elements such as images of Bodhisattvas, images of Buddha, wheel of lifes, map of universe, life cycle of Buddha, etc are the common themes of Tibetan Thangka. These ancient traditional thangka arts are designed to aid meditation, show direction to the seekers of enlightenment/nirvana, and serve as sacred ritual tools during religious ceremonies. We have wide collection of stunning Tibetan Thangka in our store. To see click here-> Tibetan Thangka Painting

925 Silver Jewelry Silver jewelry is regarded as one of the most popular jewelry available in the market. Silver jewelries have timeless beauty as they are fashionable as well as precious. Tibetan sterling silver jewelry has generally been exceptionally looked upon and desired almost everywhere in Asian countries for two millennium. Delicately as well as richly carved motifs, rare gemstones covered, bestowed with spiritual symbolism are enough factors just for their top notch and timeless style. For fashionable sterling silver jewelries and Tibetan 925 silver jewelries, click here->925 Silver Jewelry

Antique Statues The 18th and 19th century old statues designed and handmade by the ancient artisans in Nepal are now much worthy than other statues made today. The statues created then were made up of bronze as the metal was then regarded as the finest metal for best carving and designs. As the statues were handmade, the statues made by different artisan varied and were unique. Those statues are now rare and hard to find and are costly and mostly preserved in museums. Despite of high price, some antique collectors are found to buy these kinds of statues and collect them. Buy authentic and genuine antique statues those where handcarved by the ancient masters of Patan city, visit our store -> Antique statues

Beads/ Beads Jewelry Beads are small objects which are usually pierced for threading or stringing. They are the raw form of jewelries like bracelets, anklets, necklaces, or even earring. Beads range in different sizes, shapes and designs. They are made with different materials like silver, white metals, brass, glasses, semi-precious stones, sea shells, etc. A pair of beads made from Nassarius sea snail shells, approximately 100,000 years old is thought to be earliest known example of jewelry. Beads can be woven together with specialized thread and flexible wire. Visit our store for wide variety of Beads and Beads Jewelry<- here.

Bone Items Bone items like pendants, necklaces, beads, key chains, etc are mostly appreciated by many people for their unique looks and designs. The bone items found and sold in Nepal are mostly made of Yak bones. The Himalayans believe that they absorb spiritual power from the yak bones, giving them an added measure of sound and spiritual meaning.  Interested in Bone items and buying them? Click here-> Bone items

Buddhist Rituals Buddhist Rituals and Art convey the way art function in traditional Buddhist altar. All the Buddhist ritual objects are used in religious rites and mostly are related to Tibetan implements. Objects such as Bell and Vajra, prayer wheels, Butter lamps, Ritual conch shells, Prayer Flags, Phurba, Incense Sticks, Offering bowls, Damaru, and many more are the repertoire of ritual items used in Buddhism. Each ritual object has its specific importance in Buddhism. To buy traditional Buddhist ritual items handmade by the Buddhist artisans in their traditional way here in Nepal, check out our store for religious Buddhist ritual items.

Collectibles Various religious, influencing, and artistic objects found in the market of Nepal like wall mask, tea pots, incense holders, snuff bottles, cymbals, wooden windows, wooden frames, etc are the handmade items by the local artisans of Nepal. These kinds of product are mostly liked and admired by the foreigners who visit Nepal. The items are beautiful, decorative and can be a perfect as gift to anyone. We have wide collection of different and gorgeous collectibles items handmade by our local artisans. Check to see-> Collectibles

Relief Thangka Relief Thangkas also known as 3D Thangkas are made up of wood. They are uniquely carved to ultimately create 3D effect in the Thangka. The main portion of the thangka is embossed from the surface on a plain wood and then painted with different colors similar as other thangka paintings. Then finally they are framed in a wooden frame with a hook at back to be hanged on wall. Check out our stunning and beautiful Relief Thangkas collection at out store here-> Relief Thangka

White Metal Products White metals are used as an alternate for silver. White metal can be used for making jewelries or even as jewelry boxes and other useful items. They are cheaper; white metal has a very attractive appearance and is well admired by jewelry enthusiasts as well. Also, this metal is stronger and long lasting than 925 silver. For different variety of white metal products and jewelries with reasonable pricing, visit out store -> White metal products

Singing Tibetan Bowl- Himalayan Bowls

Singing bowls are ritual object used in the Himalayan region since ancient times. Singing bowls are renowned for their healing and relaxing sound quality. They are idiophonic instruments that broadly fit into the family of bells and gongs. Every singing bowl is unique, and their sound quality depends upon a variety of factors including the combinations of metal, thickness of the bowl and the shape and size of the bowl.

The singing bowls are now increasingly becoming popular in Western civilization since the mid-twentieth century. The reason of its popularity is considered because many of the spiritual inquisitive people these days are exploring Eastern philosophy and religion. As the Eastern philosophies were given importance by the rest of the world, the respective tools including singing bowls were also realized as a vital object.

As the curiosity over these beautiful bowls rose, many inquisitive people started seeking out the relates and history of the singing bowls. However, the origins of singing bowls are mysterious. It is believed that metal working artisans perfected the techniques for making Tibetan Singing Bowls nearly 2,500 years ago!  Even though there are less written history on the origination of singing bowls, there still exist  a rich tradition of oral history that the bowls came from to Tibet at the time when Buddhism was introduced by Padmasambhava.  Therefore, the history of Tibetan Singing Bowls goes back to the 8th century A.D.

It is true that the quality of sound of the ancient bowls cannot be reproduced today. The singing bowls are considered to be a lost art for atleast 50 years and the method followed to make the singing bowl is thought to be lost as well. According to the analysis of old bowls, it reveals that they were made from a variety of metal alloys consisting silver, gold, nickel, copper, zinc, antimony, tin, lead, cobalt, bismuth, arsenic, cadmium, and iron. It is also believed that the real antique bowls also consist of metal taken from meteorites. However, the manufacturing methods used today can produce bowls with beautiful tones. Today, bowls are both hand-hammered and machine-made, or a combination of the two. Modern bowls are most likely to be made of a type of bronze called “bell metal” composed of a mix of copper and tin. The best modern bowls are considered to come from Nepal.

The history of the singing bowls date back to the pre-Buddhist Tibetan Bon culture. It is commonly thought that they were traditionally used both in rituals and, more generally, as food bowls. Although they are referred as Tibetan Singing bowls, they actually are Himalayan bowls as they are present throughout the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Nepal and India. Nowadays, they are used to aid meditation, religious practice, relaxation and healthcare.

Due to the presence of multiple kinds of ore in singing bowls, the multiphonic overtones can be produced. However, it can be very challenging to differentiate between a real antique singing bowl and a new bowl these days as it is easy to make the new bowls appear aged. Although new bowls are capable of producing beautiful tones, only the real aged bowls can produce richest, mellowest tones. One should be very cautious prior to purchasing antique singing bowls as only few experts can authenticate the age and value of singing bowls.

There are two methods of playing singing bowls, either by rubbing a mallet around the rim or by striking the side of the bowls with the mallet. Both the methods produce quite distinctive sounds. The sound of the singing bowl starts peacefully and builds up steadily. The prime idea is deep relaxation that provides you to contact with the inner self. Sound is vibration, and that vibration moves throughout our body. The sound vibration of the singing bowl arouses cellular memory and permeates the sensation with the healing energy. Some of them also vibrate with certain altered brain states. The sound resonating from the singing bowl is very pure and potent in centering the mind and the body. These sounds have a profound impact on energy body of living beings, but also on the environment in general. The legends say that the secrets of sound coming from the singing bowl yield so much power that they must be kept hidden.

The sound of the singing bowl depends upon the pressure applied to the wand onto the rim of the bowl as well as the speed of rotating the wand. Even the wood from which the wand is made up of makes a difference in sound produced by the bowl. Unbalanced sound produced due to too much or too little pressure or the off beam speed will cause a nasty sound which most people may not like resulting complaints from them. However, playing a singing bowl is a meditation in itself. One can rise up into divine empire of unity by entering the mystical world of the muse of sound.

If you’re searching to buy a genuine, handmade Tibetan healing singing bowls through the Internet, you can check http://store.shakyahandicraft.com/ that typically provides, along with different stuff – some of the most real hand-crafted Tibetan healing bowls.

Making Of Buddha Statue By Lost Wax Method

Making a metal Buddha statue is a lengthy process which requires great skill and time. Sculpting of a large piece can take up to 6 or even more months and several artisans to work on it for accomplishment. In ancient times, the methods of making statues were kept secret among few families in Patan and Kathmandu. The skill was passed down to generation and was guarded from those outside the family circle.

The making of statue is known as “Lost Wax” method as the original wax model is drained out by heat from the mold and is LOST in that sense.

There are majorly three major steps of casting a sculpture.

1. Sculpturing a wax mould,
2. Sculpturing a clay mould and
3. Metal casting.

Firstly, a core model is made using beeswax exactly how the statue will appear after being ready. For each statue, each core wax model should be made. The thickness of wax model should exactly be as the thickness desired for the metal statue. Tools made from horn of animals are used to design the wax model. The black wax model is made by softening the wax by heating. The artist gives a definite structure and makes a wax model as how it should appear in metal.

After the wax model is ready, in the second stage, it is covered with thin layer of liquefied soil mixed cow dung and then a thick layer inside-out the structure; the latter soil is mixed with rice peel to make it thicker. Then, it is dried in sun for several days. The nails are put through the wax to hold the outer mold away from the core, which stop it from collapsing as the metal run through. Once the wax model is dried completely it is baked in a very hot kiln which melts the wax inside. The melted wax is poured out by making a small hole with a pointed tool. Through same hole the extremely heated and liquefied metal is poured inside. The amount of the required metal can be estimated from the amount of wax used because the liquid metal will replace the beeswax in the mold block. Normally one kilogram of wax is replaced by 100 grams of metal.

The metal takes the shape of the wax inside the soil coat. It is placed in the cold water for cooling. After several days the soil coated is broken by hammer and the rough metal statue is obtained. This entire process is completed in more or less 2 months.

The rough metal statue still needs a lot of work- it needs to be smoothed, trimmed, carved and polished. Sometime there are leftover chunks of metal that need to fill off. The holes from the nails that kept the core separate from the plaster mold during casting may be filled with the same metal as was used for the image- so you can hardly see them. If the metal failed to reach any parts of the image, patches may also now be added on and smoothed over.

Once the rough metal statue is smoothed and polished, it then gets carving and detailing. After that the statue is oxidized, gold plated, painted or antiquated and given a complete finishing.

You can find beautiful Buddha statue made by lost wax method in our Buddhist store. Check out Golden Buddha statue, Antique Buddha statue, Bronze Buddha statue, etc. from our store.

What are the things that you should consider before buying a Buddha statue?

Before buying Buddha statues you should know why you are buying Buddha statue. Basically, the reason should be to achieve inner peace. Selecting different Buddha statues merely depends upon the path to achieving what you desire. Placing a Buddhas statue in home will help us remember, understand and practice Buddha’s teachings. Ultimately by breaking out of never ending cycle of life after death, the state of Nirvana can be achieved by practicing Buddhism with the help of Vipassana meditation. If you want to experience a joy of life, laughing Buddha might be the appropriate one. If you wish to tame your mind with meditation techniques, you might want to buy meditating Buddha statue. You simply love and want to appreciate the artwork they can serve as the proper ambience to your living room or showroom

While buying Buddha statues, one should look for the carvings as hand-carved statues have more detailed artwork and are the best statues found in the market. The carvings depend upon the uniqueness of the artisan’s creativity; the details of hand-carved Buddha statues may be similar but not the same. The unique and beautiful hand-carved Buddha statues are originally and exclusively made in Nepal by the Newari artisans. Their fine artistry and skill are descended down from their ancestors for generations. You have to know where the different types of Buddha statues are originally made. To ensure the genuine statue one should avoid the replica of original art.

Face is the single most important factor to look for while buying one. The finer the face painting of the buddha better the quality of the statue. If you choose to buy golden Buddha the face is primarily painted with 24 k gold by specialist artist. On top of that fine outlining of eyes, nose and tika is done. The overall face should portray compassion, looking at which should invoke respect for Buddha within us naturally.

While you check for carvings and the face, you should be clear on what kind of statue is appropriate for you. There are Golden Buddha, Oxidized Buddha, Antique Buddha, Wooden Buddha, Jade Buddha, Copper Buddha, Bronze Buddha etc.

In the context of Buddhism, empty statue in your house without mantras inside will decrease long life, peace, health and wealth. Whereas filling it with mantras blesses you with good fortunes, peace, prosperity and happiness. Filling it with mantras makes the statue the enlightened one. You should look for possibility to insert the mantras in the statues. Statues specially made in China or India are not designed for filling the mantras inside whereas statues made in Nepal are designed specifically for mantras to be inserted. You can even ask the vendor to bless the statue by a Monk in local Buddhist Monastery when buying.

Check out our Buddhism store for different Buddha statues handmade by Newari artisans with details hand carvings.

Life Of Buddha Thangka

Life of Buddha thangka covers the whole life story of Buddha. Shakyamuni Buddha can be seen in the central, meditating in the earth touching gesture on a lotus throne wearing silk robe. He is flanked by two of his chief disciples namely Sariputra and Maudgalyayana. His face seems very serene and his body emits auras surrounding his body. He is holding an alm bowl with his left hand on the lap. Over the top of his head a parasol is placed, hanging against the background of the Bodhi tree.

On the left corner of the painting, Queen Maya Devi in her palace bed dreams that a white elephant is descending from Tushita heaven and has entered into her womb from her right side. Just below this Queen Maha Maya Devi is standing in the Salbhanjika posture holding a branch of a Plaksa tree and delivering baby Siddhartha from her right armpit. The god Brahma is holding a Bodhisattva dressed in white silk, and is accompanied by two devas. Two celestial fairies carrying flowers are seen welcoming Queen Mahadevi. She is wearing rich garments, befitting a queen. Her face shows no signs of the pain of labour. Just below the painting, baby Siddhartha can be seen making objects. Below this, Prince Siddhartha is shown with his charioteer Chandaka taking a chariot beyond the palace walls. On the journey he observes a man suffering from old age, an emaciated man stricken with an incurable disease, a dead body and yet again an ascetic, or a bhikshu bearing an alms bowl clad in an ocher robe, standing calm, quiet and self – possessed, leading a life of strict discipline, embracing the spiritual path.

Seeing all these characteristic visions formed the basis of Prince Siddhartha’s great renunciation. Yet on another panel just below this Prince Siddhartha, oppressed by the sorrow and tribulation he saw, are his discarded princely garments and the ornaments of royalty, seen near a Stupa. Siddhartha cuts his hair as the initiation of his vow to become a monk. His Charioteer Chandaka and horse Kanthaka can be seen crying at the left side of the painting.

At the bottom panel of the painting the Bodhisattva Siddhartha can be practicing his austerities for six years, his body emaciated like a skeleton. Celestial damsels are seen dancing trying to disturb his meditation. On far right corner of the painting Bodhisattva Siddhartha is seen receiving sweet rice pudding from a lady called Sujata. After taking this food, Siddhartha is seen having attained Perfect enlightenment from his profound meditation under the Bodhi Tree. Devas and human beings are seen offering the eight auspicious symbols after his Perfect Enlightenment. He is seen turning the wheel of dharma for the first time preaching to his five disciples on Four Noble Truths. Just above this Buddha, is seen descended to Sankasya to tame the six heretical teachers after giving a discourse to his mother Maya Devi in the celestial realm. At a certain time during the Buddha’s life, a group of monks called ” Vrijji ” quarreled among themselves, unable to hear the instruction of Lord Buddha. To tame these Vrijji monks, Buddha went to the Parileyyaka forest unattended by monks. Instead, monkeys and elephants attended the Buddha faithfully. At this Vrijji monks realized their mistake and a respectful request to Buddha to return to their abode.

At the top right corner of the painting, Buddha is seen reclining in his death bed attaining his Great Parinirvana. The devotees and devas are seen crying at the death of the Buddha.

Find exquisite and beautiful Life of Buddha thangka painted traditionally painted by the professional thangka painters directly from Nepal. To see the thangka online click here- Buddha Life Thangka

Maitreya Buddha – The Future Buddha

The name Maitreya is derived from the word “Maitri” from ancient Language called Sanskrit. The Sanskrit word “Maitri” means, kindness, love, benevolence, friendship, friendliness, goodwill. Therefore, he is also regarded as the Loving or Friendly One. He is regarded as the protector of the Dharma as well as a teacher who personally initiates his devotees.

Maitreya Buddha is currently a Bodhisattva  one who has vowed not to achieve Nirvana right away even though he has attained certain level of enlightenment. The main purpose of this is to help people on earth in their path to Nirvana and and teach them the teaching of Buddha.

Maitreya, also known as the future Buddha, is believed to be residing in Tushita Heaven waiting for the right time to descend down to the earth. Tushita heaven is one among the thirty-three heavens. It is believed to be existing living place of Maitreya. Followers of Tibetan Buddhism believe that if a person chants the holy enchanting “The Promise of Maitreya Buddha” in front of Rupas of Maitreya Buddha he will be reincarnated in Tushita Heaven.

There is a written statements in ancient Buddhist scriptures like Theravada, Mahayana and Vajrayana that Maitreya will be the successor to Shakyamuni Buddha. He is referred to as the upcoming future Buddha, predicted to arrive some 2500 years from now.

Some beliefs regarding Maitreya Buddha in Different Places

In Japanese tradition, Maitreya Buddha is considered as the mediator in relationships between men and women.

In Korean Beliefs, Maitreya Buddha is better worshiped as the bestower of children, particularly sons, a protector of sailors.

In Chinese culture, Maitreya is also know as Laughing Buddha or Happy Buddha. He is represented as a jolly, laughing Buddhist monk. He has a big fat belly who carries a hemp bag over his shoulder. He represents happiness, liveliness and prosperity.

Thanks to a Buddhist monk named Chang Dingzi Maitreya Buddha is also known as The Monk with the Cloth Bag. Though dressed only in thin monk’s robes, The Monk could sleep and play on the snow without getting wet or cold. He also had the ability to foresee the future.

The Monk, Yogi was a wise man, who was better known as Pu Tai ‘cloth bag’. He carried the large bundle of cloth wherever he went. He was later worshiped as the incarnation of Maitreya.

Maitreya Buddha Mudra

Maitreya is seated on a lotus that rests on a throne base. He holds his hands before his chest in dharmachakra mudra. Maitreya rupa holds a stem of a lotus flower in between the thumb and forefinger in his left hand. A wheel of Dharma, in sanskrit ” Dharma Chakra” is supported by the bloom of this lotus. Traditional Rupas of Maitreya has him standing, dressed in rich jeweled clothing.

People prefer Maitreya Buddha statues for their home decoration as it represents love, friendship, kindness and goodwill. You can check our Buddhist shop for beautiful Gold plated Maitreya Buddha statue and also antique Maitreya Buddha statue.

Sankha Conch Shell

Sankha or Conch Shell is also known as an offering vessel. The Sankha has its ritual and religious significance in both Hinduism and Buddhism. The white Conch Shell Sankha has survived as the original horn trumpet since time immortal. Ancient Indian epics describe how each hero of mythical warfare carried a mighty white conch shell, which often bore a personal name. The Sankha is the shell of a species of large predatory sea snail.

In Hinduism, the Sankha is referred as a sacred emblem of Hindu preserver god Vishnu and mostly displayed in Hindu Art associated with Vishnu. In the past the Sankhas were extremely used as a war trumpet and are still used as a trumpet in Hindu ritual. In Hindu art, Lord Vishnu and other gods are seen carrying Sankha in their hands. The Sankha is praised in Hindu scriptures as a giver of fame, longevity and prosperity, the cleanser of sin and also the abode of goddess Laxmi, who is the goddess of wealth and the consort of Lord Vishnu. Sankha, as a symbol of water, it is associated with female fertility and Serphants (Nagas).

In Buddhism, Sankha is one of the eight auspicious signs, the Astamangala. It symbolizes the holiness of turning to the right and proclaims the glory of the saints by its humming sound. The sound of Sankha penetrates far and wide. It is believed when you blow Sankha, it’s sound keeps evil away from home and place where is ritual ceremony are being perform. In ritual ceremonies it is used both as a musical instrument and as a container of holy water.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, Sankha is absorbed as a symbol of fearlessness which proclaimed the truth of the dharma. Among the eight symbols, it stands for the fame of the Buddha’s teaching, which spreads in all directions like the sound of the conch trumpet.

There is fundamental classification of Sankha (conch shell) in nature, those that turn to left and those that turn to right. Sankha which are spiral to the right with clockwise direction are a rare and hard to be found and considered sacred. The right-spiraling movement of such a conch is believed to echo the celestial motion of the sun, moon, planets and stars across the heavens. The hair whorls on Buddha’s head spiral to the right, as do his fine body hairs, the long curl between his eyebrows (urna), and also the conch-like swirl of his navel. In addition to Buddha’s throat, the conch also appears as an auspicious mark on the soles, palms, limbs, breast or forehead of a divinely endowed being.

In Hinduism, the right turned are viewed with the aperture uppermost and is called Dakshinvarta. The left turned Sankha viewed with the aperture uppermost and is called Vamavarta.

Also, the Sankha bears the name of Panchajanya, meaning ‘having control over the five classes of beings. Sankhas are classified into male and female as per ancient Indian belief. The thicker-shelled one is thought to be male and the thin-shelled slender and smooth Sankha is considered to be female.

The fourfold caste division is also applied as follows:

1. The smooth white conch represents the Brahmin caste (priests)
2. The red conch, the kshatriyas (warriors)
3. The yellow conch, the vaishyas (merchants)
4. The grey conch, the shudras (laborers)

Check out our Buddha store for different kinds of sankha conch shell like big decorated sankhas, carved sankhas, sankha stamps, etc.

Stone Buddha Statues

Stone Buddha statues are the oldest form of Buddha statues developed by historic Indian native Buddhist craftsmen. Throughout history many different types of stones have been used in creation of stone Buddha statues and sculptures. Various types of stones like sandstone, pumice, limestone, marble, basalt, alabaster, chalk, soapstone, etc. have been used for carving Buddha statues depending on their local availability and for the finished desired effect.

Stone Buddhist statues are relatively heavier than other Buddha statues made using metal, wood, or other materials as stone itself is heavy. As they are carved on stone, they have primitive designs and carvings compared to metal Buddha statues.

Stone Buddha statues are hand-carved meticulously with chisel and mallet. They are preferred for outdoor decoration or Garden decoration as the statues are generally huge. The stone Buddha statues will compliment any space it is placed in and they grow more beautiful with time.

The statues are mostly carved in a single stone however, very huge statues are first carved as separate pieces and then joined together to make a single statue. Some statues are filled with rich, earthy stones to make them look more beautiful and attractive. Although stone Buddha statues are hand-carved they have accurate and clean finishing. These stone Buddha statues last for hundreds of years, as many can still see the examples of stone Buddha statues in places Buddhist temples and monasteries from ages.

Check out our Buddhism Store for beautiful Buddha statues.

Antiques And Collectibles

Antiques describe true art, craft and the history of any place or country. Antique collection is a passionate hobby. An antique collector most likely has an interest on understanding the histories of certain places and arts as well.

People who tend to buy antique items can be divided into several kinds. Collectors explore antique shops in search for items like antique coins, stamps, pictures, sculptures etc. Some people like art of specific period and are ready to pay thousands for such Antiques. Antique jewelry is also very popular among the buyers. Antique rings and bracelets with original ancient writings unscripted on them are a well-known and important part of cultural antiques market. Antique Collectors are in constant search for the opportunity to find or trade antiques with other collectors. Antiques Online Stores provide buyers the opportunity to search and buy antiques around the world from the comfort of their home. Most of the antique collectors are particularly fond of collecting antique statues. Antique statues are unique and are expensive. The query may arise, how can one identify the antiques? The following ideas could be helpful somehow to recognize actual antiques.

•  An antique statue can by no means have sharp ends. Because of the friction while dealing with for numerous of years, some areas of the statue might be observed scrubbed and also the carving could be observed faded. Furthermore, the areas of statues are shiny also.
•  Prior to discovering the age with the antique statue one ought to research the statue carefully. The artwork and the designs on the statue are most helpful to understand the year as well as will help to know how special the piece is. Ultimately, it will also help to understand the materials used like brass, copper or bronze.
•  Another ways to find out about the antique statue would be to study the history of the artist through which one can find out the real worth of the statue. This will also offer more information about the statue and the art linked with the statue.
• Capturing the photos of the statue can ease the task. So, take the pictures of the statue from every angle such as the carvings, sign or stamps on the statue. This may assist in the research.
• One may also find various dependable sources to understand concerning the age of an antique statue. A museum can be the best source to study about antiques. An antique expert may also assist in identifying the age and get to know more about the statue. Internet and libraries will also be outstanding source to find out concerning the statues of specific time period.
• Certain resources can be helpful to determine the actual antique like magnifying glass, Black- light, and Digital Cameras. These resources will simplify the identification of the antique statue.

Nepal has always been popular for rich art and culture. The rich and multi-dimensional culture has evolved over the centuries. The culture and tradition followed by the Nepalese are reflected in their beautiful hand-crafted collectible items.

Nepal offers wide variety of religious, influencing, and artistic objects found in the market of Nepal like wall mask, tea pots, incense holders, snuff bottles, musical instruments, cymbals, wooden carvings demonstrating art, skill and craftsmanship of the ancient times. These Nepalese products are considered special as they are handmade by the local artisans of Nepal. The machine made items are less common in Nepalese market and are less preferred. Nepalese art represent both the figurines of Hindu and Buddhist Religion.

Different materials such as copper, brass, bronze, stone and wood are used to make these items. These kinds of product are mostly liked and admired by the foreigners who visit Nepal. The items are beautiful, decorative and can be a perfect as gift to anyone.

If you would like to buy Nepalese handicraft products, visit our Buddhist store.  You can also find beautiful antique statue and collectibles handmade by Nepalese craftsmen.

Buddhist Rituals And Buddhist Ritual Items

Buddhist rituals have been significant part of Buddhism since the time of Buddha. Buddhist rituals express many dimensions of our human aspects and situation including our relationships and also our spiritual life. If Buddhist rituals are preformed whole-heartily, they help us to discover and express some of our deepest feelings and aspirations. Buddhist rituals have much in common with prayer, including how they impact participants. Buddhist rituals can strengthen and highlight the values, intentions, and experiences we have chosen to live by.

Most importantly, Buddhist rituals strengthen the connection between Dharma and mankind. It also to give better knowledge on intention, respect, understanding, community, and experiential dimension associated with the Dharma.  Feeling of stronger connection to the Dharma can be meaningful in and of itself; it can also fuel a person’s practice when it is challenging to do.

Buddhist ritual items and art convey the way art function in traditional Buddhist altar. All the Buddhist ritual objects are used in religious rites and mostly are related to Tibetan implements. Objects such as Bell and Vajra, prayer wheels, Butter lamps, Ritual conch shells, Prayer Flags, Phurba, Incense Sticks, Offering bowls, Damaru, and many more are the repertoire of ritual items used in Buddhism. Each ritual object has its specific importance in Buddhism.

Different Buddhist Rituals Items

Bell and Vajra- Bell and Vajra (Dorje) are the ritual implements used together that represents the inseparability of wisdom and compassion. While bell is held in the left had represents female element of wisdom and Dorje held in right represents the male element of skillful means along with compassion of the Buddha. During the chanting of the mantras the Bell and Dorje are used together in a variety of different ritualistic ways to represent the union of the male and female principles.

Prayer Wheels- Prayer Wheels are the most common prayer instrument among the Buddhist. They bear mystical word OM MANE PADME HUM numbering six syllables in the mantra. The syllables are carved outside the wheel as well as kept inside written on the paper in numerous numbers. The prayer wheels may be small and carried by pilgrims, or larger and fixed to the gates of monasteries or around Stupas and Chortens. Each turn of the prayer wheel generates as much merit as the reading of the Sutra or the formula enclosed therein. A prayer wheel has tremendous power to eliminate the self-cherishing mind that keeps us from realizing perfect Bodhichitta and thus reaching enlightenment.

Butter Lamps- It is said offering light from the flame of Butter Lamp is the most powerful offering because their light symbolizes wisdom and awakened mind. The butter lamps are used in every Tibetan temples, monasteries, household and altars. They are traditionally burned with ghee butter. Butter lamps are usually made of silver, copper, brass or white metal.

Sankha (Conch Shell) – Sankha or Conch Shell is also known as an offering vessel. The Sankha has its ritual and religious significance in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Sankha is one of the eight auspicious signs, the Astamangala. The white Conch Shell of Sankha has survived as the original horn trumpet since time immortal. It is especially given as a symbol to the gods as the sound vibrated through a shell penetrates far and wide. The instrument is used to call monks to worship and may also be used to invoke water and rain. It’s a sign of good luck and stands for the absence of all evil as an attribute, symbolizing the glory of all holy men.

Prayer Flags- There are two kinds of prayer flags, the horizontal ones called Lungta in Tibetan and the vertical ones called Darchor. Prayer Flags are inscribed with auspicious symbols, invocations, prayers, and mantras. It is believed that the prayers and mantras will be blown towards the heaven as offerings to their deities and will bring benefits to the one who hangs them, his neighborhood, and all sentient beings, even flying birds. Prayer flags are said to bring happiness, long life and prosperity to the flag planter and those in the vicinity. Dharma prints bear traditional Buddhist symbols, protectors and enlightened beings. Old prayer flags are replaced with new ones annually on Tibetan New Year.

Phurba- Phurba in Sanskrit is called the Kilaya or the Kila. The Phurba is also called ‘the magic dagger’. Padmasambhava used the Phurpa to consecrate the ground when he established the Samye monastery in the 8th century. This Ritual Buddhist Dagger or dart symbolizes the slaying or destruction of foe or obstructions. This ritual object is usually made of various clay, woods, metals or human or monkey bones or a combination which is considered a powerful element for driving away evil spirits, however wood and bone are also used and often required for certain ritual events. The lower part of the blade is said to represent “Method” while the handle “Wisdom”. These would have been two objects that were vital in the survival of people in these hash regions. The Phurpa is patterned after an ancient Vedic tool, a stake used to tether sacrificial animals. It is also regarded as a powerful weapon which subdues evil spirits and negative energies, transforming them into positive forces.

Offering bowls- A set of seven offering bowls are traditionally set out on a Buddhist altar each day. They are placed on one’s shrine and filled with water daily as a way of accumulating virtue. Instead, the bowls are filled with objects that symbolize the traditional offerings of drinking and washing water, flowers, incense, light, perfume, food and music. The set of seven bowls are not simply bowls, they are powerful reminder of seven aspects of Buddha and represent ‘seven limb practice’ a method to purify negative tendencies and accumulating positive potential.

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