Stupa (Chorten) – Buddhist Ritual Object with Filigree

Stupa with crystal dome. The Buddhist ritual object is worked in filigree, silver- and gold-plated, set with colored stones. Known in Tibetan as chorten, the stupa represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha and the Dharma. The stupa takes its name from Swayambhu, self-arisen, the legendary lotus of light said to have emerged, self-created, from a primordial lake in the Kathmandu Valley.

The round stupa stands on a double lotus base. The dome, anda, made of quartz crystal, sits above it. Four Buddha votive plaques are placed around the dome, marking the four cardinal directions. A band of red stones marks the transition to the square harmika with eyes. Four vajra motifs are aligned in correspondence with the Buddhas. Above this, a crystal mast, encircled by winding wire, leads to a parasol. The uppermost finial is a clear crystal, the jewel.

The stupa is worked in filigree. Thin wire is bent into spirals, filled with small arched elements, and joined in an ornamental pattern. Colored stones accent the filigree.

The stupa follows established iconographic conventions of Vajrayana art in the Kathmandu Valley, in which form, symbolic meaning, and ornament are brought together in a balanced composition.

Stupa 

Made of copper and crystal quartz, decorated with filigree, silver- and gold-plated, set with colored stones. The sculpture is patinated. Handmade in Nepal.

• Height: 10" / 26 cm
• Width: 5.5" / 14 cm
• Weight: 1439 g