Dharmachakra with Two Deer – Commissioned Work from Nepal

A three-part ensemble with a strictly symmetrical design: In the center is the eight-spoked Wheel of Dharma, framed by a wreath of curving flame and vine motifs and supported by a base of fluted lotus leaves; flanked by two reclining stags raising their heads toward the wheel, each resting on an oval lotus pedestal adorned with a string of pearls. All parts are handcrafted and chiseled; the surface is fire-gilded and finely polished over the curves.

The wheel with the two deer commemorates the Buddha’s first sermon in the deer park at Sarnath; in keeping with this tradition, the motif has adorned the portals and roofs of Tibetan monasteries for centuries. The eight spokes are associated with the Noble Eightfold Path.

We had this sculpture custom-made in a workshop in Nepal and followed the process over the course of just under two months—from the initial design to the fire-gilding. We’ll share the story of how the sculpture came to be on our blog.

Wheel with base: Height 23.5 cm · Base ⌀ 8 cm · Deer: Base width 17.5 cm each · Total footprint approx. 48 × 13 cm · Total weight 3.8 kg · Copper, fire-gilded · Manufactured on behalf of Atelier Tibet in Nepal