Perhaps our largest body of one specific craft is our metal work collection. Consisting of a huge array of different products from antique prayer wheels to 'lost wax' sculptures, and of course including our well-known library of Nepalese hand beaten and hand etched singing bowls, lunar bowls and gongs.
Specialist Singing Bowls
In Buddhist practices, singing bowls are used to signal the start and end of silent meditation session. This is often accompanied by chanting.
Our unique, specialist Tibetan singing bowls are hand beaten and are produced from a mix of metals. Included are beautifully etched Himalayan styles, crafted by immensely talented artisans who have taken years to perfect their skills.
Temple Gongs
Our collection of incredible wind gong cymbals are individual hand hammered pieces produced in Kathmandu in Nepal. Due to the careful process of their manufacture, each gong has a unique and amazing tone.
Many are decorated with hand etched designs, including traditional Tibetan patterns, chakras and Buddhist mantras.
Buddhist Artefacts
Amazing work of artistry and craftsmanship are showcased here, with statues crafted from brass, copper, shell and Himalayan quartz crystal using the traditional 'lost wax' technique.
Initially a wax model is created and encased in clay to create a mold. The wax is then melted away - 'lost' - and the hollow that is left is filled with molten metal. Once this hardens the clay mold is broken away so there is now a metal replica of the initial wax model.
Buddhist Prayer Wheels
Prayer wheels are Buddhist constructions often found at temples that consist of a cylindrical wheel that has been placed upon a spindle so that it can easily be spun around.
Inside the wheel is a scroll onto which mantras have been written hundreds, thousands, or in some cases, millions of times.
According to the Buddhist tradition, those that rotate these prayer wheels will gain much the same meritorious effect as reciting the mantras orally.
Lunar Bowls
Created on the day of a full moon, these very special singing bowls bear a special inscription and comes with a certificate of authenticity.
As well as being created at such an auspicious time, the bowls also contain seven metals instead of the usual two. Small amounts of gold, silver, iron, mercury and lead are included in the usual bell metal mixture of copper and tin. The careful incorporation of these metals is said to have an astral significance.
Nepalese 925 Silver
This collection displays some amazing ornamental work of fine Nepalese silver. Each piece is 925 silver marked.
Many pieces feature precious gemstones, others showcase the artisan's skills with delicate filigree work, where thin strips of metal are woven to form intricate textures and designs.
