[Tonpa Shenrab], Buddhist Handmade Statue, [Half Gold Plated], [Face Painted] and [High quality], Bon Religion
| Dimensions: | 36x22x15 cm (14.2 × 8.7 × 5.9 inches) |
| Gross Weight: | 3.62 kg (7.98 lbs) |
| Material: | Copper |
| Iconography / Artist: | Tonpa Shenrab |
| Craft Origin: | Kathmandu Valley, Nepal • Ancient Heritage Technique |
| Cataloged On: | Jan 02, 2025 |
Tonpa Shenrab
In the Bon tradition, Tonpa Shenrab is regarded as the first Fully Awakened One, a being who attained ultimate realization and shared the profound path of liberation. His teachings—centered on truth, compassion, wisdom, and spiritual transformation form the foundation of the Bon spiritual path, including practices of meditation, ritual, moral discipline, and inner cultivation.
• Tonpa means “teacher” or “revealer.”
• Shenrab signifies “supreme wisdom.”
• Miwoche means “great man” or “great being.”
• Spiritual Significance:
Tonpa Shenrab is not just a teacher but a primordial Buddha-like figure who guides beings out of suffering and ignorance. His mission was to defeat the forces of darkness and illusion and to bring the light of wisdom to the world.
Role in Bon:
He is the originator of nine great ways (thegpa gu) of Bon, which cover all aspects of spiritual development—from healing and rituals to tantric and dzogchen (great perfection) teachings.
Manifestations:
Similar to how Buddhas appear in various forms, Tonpa Shenrab is said to have manifested in different realms and forms to guide beings according to their needs.
Despite the long-standing influence of Buddhism in Tibet, the Bon tradition continues to thrive, preserving its unique spiritual identity, texts, rituals, and deep reverence for Tonpa Shenrab as the source of its sacred lineage.
Centuries-Old Lost-Wax Metal Casting
Each sculpture at Handmade Handicraft is crafted using the ancient cire-perdue (lost-wax) technique, a craft perfected over a millennium by the Newar artisans of Patan. The process begins with sculpting beeswax and Himalayan tree resin by hand. A multi-layered clay mold is formed around the wax, which is melted away in the furnace, creating a void that is filled with molten red copper or bronze.
24K Mercury Gilding
Applied with pure gold leaf and fused using fire gilding for an ethereal sheen that endures for generations.
Cold-Gold Face Painting
The sacred facial features and serene gaze of deities are carefully rendered with powdered cold gold and natural pigments.
Hand-Chiseled Detailing
Intricate robes, mandalas, and jewels are carved by hand with miniature steel chisels and devotion.
Door-to-Door Worldwide Express Delivery
Since 1976, we have shipped thousands of delicate sacred statues and handicrafts across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia with an exceptional track record of safe delivery.
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Express Carriers: We partner with DHL Express, FedEx International, and licensed Air Cargo freighters with end-to-end tracking.
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Museum-Grade Packaging: Each piece is wrapped in moisture-resistant vapor barriers, thick high-density foam cushioning, and reinforced export cartons or custom wooden crates for large statues.
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100% Transit Insurance: All international shipments are fully insured against loss or damage during transit.
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Customs Clearance & Documentation: Includes official Nepal Archaeological Department export clearances certifying modern non-antique artisan status for hassle-free customs clearance.