Temple Stupa – Crystal with Filigree

This temple stupa is a Buddhist stupa executed as a sculptural work. As an architectural symbol of Buddhist art, it brings together form, material, and meaning into a coherent sculptural whole.

The stupa is built on a three-tiered, square base. The rounded stupa form is cut from quartz crystal and is composed of the dome, anda, the harmika above it, and the ascending mast with a terminal finial. Four small Buddha votive plaques are set into the crystal stupa, aligned with the four cardinal directions.
A gilded roof supported by four columns forms the upper termination of the stupa. The roof surface is worked with chased detailing and culminates in a drop-shaped crystal at its apex. At each of the four corners, dragon heads are applied, from whose mouths a further drop-shaped crystal is suspended.

The base and stupa are adorned with filigree. Fine wires are shaped into spiral ornaments and filled with small arched elements, forming floral patterns. Set colored stones provide restrained accents across the surface. The curved shield-shaped elements between the spherical feet are worked in repoussé.

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 balanced iconographic unity.

Stupa

Copper, crystal, decorated with fine filigree, set with colored stones, gold- and silver-plated. The work is patinated. Handcrafted in Nepal.

• Height: 19" / 48 cm
• Width: 14" / 37 cm
• Depth: 14" / 36 cm
• Weight: 5,800 g

A NOTICE 
The columns, base, and roof are joined together by a plug connection.