Fire-gilded Tibetan bronze stupa

This Tibetan stupa made of fire-gilded bronze is not only an artistic object, but also a multi-layered symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. It was made in Nepal in a traditional craft workshop and is richly chiseled. It is 20.5 cm high and has a diameter of 10 cm.

A stupa, also known as a chorten, represents the enlightened mind of Buddha and the path to enlightenment. It is seen as an architectural and symbolic model of the universe. Each of its components carries deep spiritual meanings, representing different aspects of the Buddhist path:

• The base: symbolizes earth and stability, the foundation of spiritual life.
• The dome: Represents water and the purification of the mind.
• The spire: With 13 steps, it represents progress on the path to enlightenment.
• The umbrella: A sign of protection from ignorance and negative influences.
• The spire: Often decorated with a lotus flower or a gemstone, it symbolizes enlightenment.