Stupa (Chorten) – Buddhist Ritual Object with Filigree

 A stupa, Tibetan chorten, is a central symbol of Buddhist art and represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha and his teaching, the Dharma.

The stupa stands on a square base with two steps. Above it rises a crystal dome. At the front, a gau is attached, containing a Buddha votive plaque. The dome is decorated with arched filigree ornaments. Above the dome follows a crystal mast, encircled by winding wire. Shawl elements are arranged at the sides, above them a parasol. The uppermost finial is formed by moon and sun. The sequence of square and circular forms belongs to the essential nature of a stupa.

The copper base, the dome, and the shawls are decorated with filigree. Fine wires are laid into spiral forms, filled with small arched elements, and joined into a continuous pattern. Set stones of lapis lazuli, turquoise, and coral add color accents.

The stupa is regarded as an architectural representation of the cosmic principle and follows the image traditions of Vajrayana in the Kathmandu Valley, in which ritual identity, gesture, and ornament are brought together into a carefully balanced iconographic unity.

Stupa, Chorten

Copper and crystal, decorated with filigree, silver plated, set with turquoise, lapis lazuli and coral. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 8" / 20cm
• Width: 4" / 10 cm
• Weight: 713g