Copper Ratna Mandala offering Silver and Gold Plated, with Ashtamangalaa Carving

Partly gold plating using the Fire Gold plating technique requires a high level of skill and precision, and Nepali artisans have been perfecting this technique for centuries. The process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, but the end result is a work of art that is both durable and long-lasting, with intricate designs highlighted by a touch of gold. This technique finds significant application in the creation of religious objects such as statues and prayer wheels, as well as everyday items. It showcases the artisans' expertise in preserving traditional methods while imbuing the objects with deep cultural and spiritual significance.


Detailed Description of Mercury Gilding - Source wikipedia
Fire-gilding or Wash-gilding is a process by which an amalgam of gold is applied to metallic surfaces, the mercury being subsequently volatilized, leaving a film of gold or an amalgam containing 13 to 16% mercury. In the preparation of the amalgam, the gold must first be reduced to thin plates or grains, which are heated red-hot, and thrown into previously heated mercury, until it begins to smoke. When the mixture is stirred with an iron rod, the gold is totally absorbed. The proportion of mercury to gold is generally six or eight to one. When the amalgam is cold, it is squeezed through chamois leather to separate the superfluous mercury; the gold, with about twice its weight of mercury, remains behind, forming a yellowish silvery mass with the consistency of butter.

When the metal to be gilded is wrought or chased, it ought to be covered with mercury before the amalgam is applied, that this may be more easily spread; but when the surface of the metal is plain, the amalgam may be applied to it directly. When no such preparation is applied, the surface to be gilded is simply bitten and cleaned with nitric acid. A deposit of mercury is obtained on a metallic surface using quicksilver water, a solution of mercury(II) nitrate, the nitric acid attacking the metal to which it is applied, and thus leaving a film of free metallic mercury.

The amalgam is equally spread over the prepared surface of the metal, the mercury is then sublimed by heat just sufficient for that purpose; for, if it is too great, part of the gold may be driven off, or it may run together and leave some of the surface of the metal bare. When the mercury has evaporated, which is known by the surface having entirely become of a dull yellow color, the metal must undergo other operations, by which the fine gold color is given to it. First, the gilded surface is rubbed with a scratch brush of brass wire, until its surface is smooth.

It is then covered with gilding wax and again exposed to fire until the wax is burnt off. Gilding wax is composed of beeswax mixed with some of the following substances: red ochre, verdigris, copper scales, alum, vitriol, and borax. By this operation, the color of the gilding is heightened, and the effect seems to be produced by a perfect dissipation of some mercury remaining after the former operation. The gilt surface is then covered over with potassium nitrate, alum, or other salts, ground together, and mixed into a paste with water or weak ammonia. The piece of metal thus covered is exposed to heat, and then quenched in water.

By this method, its color is further improved and brought nearer to that of gold, probably by removing any particles of copper that may have been on the gilt surface. This process, when skillfully carried out, produces gilding of great solidity and beauty, but owing to the exposure of the workmen to mercurial fumes, it is very unhealthy. There is also much loss of mercury to the atmosphere, which brings extremely serious environmental concerns as well.

This method of gilding metallic objects was formerly widespread but fell into disuse as the dangers of mercury toxicity became known. Since fire-gilding requires that the mercury be volatilized to drive off the mercury and leave the gold behind on the surface, it is extremely dangerous. Breathing the fumes generated by this process can quickly result in serious health problems, such as neurological damage and endocrine disorders since inhalation is a very efficient route for mercuric compounds to enter the body. This process has generally been supplanted by the electroplating of gold over a nickel substrate, which is more economical and less dangerous.

Fire Gold Plating In Nepal


Detailed Description of Mercury Gilding - Source wikipedia
Fire-gilding or Wash-gilding is a process by which an amalgam of gold is applied to metallic surfaces, the mercury being subsequently volatilized, leaving a film of gold or an amalgam containing 13 to 16% mercury. In the preparation of the amalgam, the gold must first be reduced to thin plates or grains, which are heated red-hot, and thrown into previously heated mercury, until it begins to smoke. When the mixture is stirred with an iron rod, the gold is totally absorbed. The proportion of mercury to gold is generally six or eight to one. When the amalgam is cold, it is squeezed through chamois leather to separate the superfluous mercury; the gold, with about twice its weight of mercury, remains behind, forming a yellowish silvery mass with the consistency of butter.

When the metal to be gilded is wrought or chased, it ought to be covered with mercury before the amalgam is applied, that this may be more easily spread; but when the surface of the metal is plain, the amalgam may be applied to it directly. When no such preparation is applied, the surface to be gilded is simply bitten and cleaned with nitric acid. A deposit of mercury is obtained on a metallic surface using quicksilver water, a solution of mercury(II) nitrate, the nitric acid attacking the metal to which it is applied, and thus leaving a film of free metallic mercury.

The amalgam is equally spread over the prepared surface of the metal, the mercury is then sublimed by heat just sufficient for that purpose; for, if it is too great, part of the gold may be driven off, or it may run together and leave some of the surface of the metal bare. When the mercury has evaporated, which is known by the surface having entirely become of a dull yellow color, the metal must undergo other operations, by which the fine gold color is given to it. First, the gilded surface is rubbed with a scratch brush of brass wire, until its surface is smooth.

It is then covered with gilding wax and again exposed to fire until the wax is burnt off. Gilding wax is composed of beeswax mixed with some of the following substances: red ochre, verdigris, copper scales, alum, vitriol, and borax. By this operation, the color of the gilding is heightened, and the effect seems to be produced by a perfect dissipation of some mercury remaining after the former operation. The gilt surface is then covered over with potassium nitrate, alum, or other salts, ground together, and mixed into a paste with water or weak ammonia. The piece of metal thus covered is exposed to heat, and then quenched in water.

By this method, its color is further improved and brought nearer to that of gold, probably by removing any particles of copper that may have been on the gilt surface. This process, when skillfully carried out, produces gilding of great solidity and beauty, but owing to the exposure of the workmen to mercurial fumes, it is very unhealthy. There is also much loss of mercury to the atmosphere, which brings extremely serious environmental concerns as well.

This method of gilding metallic objects was formerly widespread but fell into disuse as the dangers of mercury toxicity became known. Since fire-gilding requires that the mercury be volatilized to drive off the mercury and leave the gold behind on the surface, it is extremely dangerous. Breathing the fumes generated by this process can quickly result in serious health problems, such as neurological damage and endocrine disorders since inhalation is a very efficient route for mercuric compounds to enter the body. This process has generally been supplanted by the electroplating of gold over a nickel substrate, which is more economical and less dangerous.

Fire Gold Plating In Nepal

WHAT'S THE SILVER PLATING PROCESS?
Silver plating is valued for its durability and ability to resist tarnishing, allowing the Copper Ratna Mandala Offering [silver And Gold Plated], With [ashtamangalaa Carving] to maintain its radiant shine for an extended period. The silver-plated finish also offers versatility, complementing various design styles and adding a touch of refinement to any setting.

By choosing the Copper Ratna Mandala Offering [silver And Gold Plated], With [ashtamangalaa Carving] with a silver plated finish, you can enjoy the timeless beauty and allure of silver, creating an exquisite and eye-catching piece that is sure to captivate.


The silver plating process steps are relatively straightforward, although they differ depending on what type you're doing — barrel or rack plating. The basic strategy, however, goes like this:

Inspection: Before electroplating, you should always check the part for imperfections — like cold shuts or sharp edges — and amend these issues before starting the process. Otherwise, the quality of the substrate will decrease, and this may cause problems for your customers.
Pre-treatment: Complete any necessary treatments before plating onto your metal part. You should also do an under-plating of copper, nickel or both metals. Additionally, you can add a silver strike or an anti-tarnish coating if there's a particular effect you want to achieve. If you plate a layer of nickel or copper with a 0.0005-inch thickness, the silver should also be 0.0005 inches for a total of 0.0010 inches.
Electroplating: Silver plating involves submerging the substrate into a bath of silver ions. After passing an electric current through the solution, the ions deposit onto the part's surface, coating it in your chosen metal — in this case, silver.

Conch The right-turning white conch shell represents the beautiful, deep, melodious, interpenetrating and pervasive sound of the dharma, which awakens disciples from the deep slumber of ignorance and urges them to accomplish their own welfare for the welfare of others	Endless knot The endless knot denotes "the auspicious mark represented by a curled noose emblematic of love" . It is a symbol of the ultimate unity of everything. Moreover, it represents the intertwining of wisdom and compassion, the mutual dependence of religious doctrine and secular affairs, the union of wisdom and method, the inseparability of śūnyatā "emptiness" and pratītyasamutpāda "interdependent origination" , and the union of wisdom and compassion in enlightenment. This knot, net or web metaphor also conveys the Buddhist teaching of interpenetration. It is also an attribute of the god Vishnu, which is said to be engraved on his chest. A similar engraving of the Shrivatsa on the historical Gautama Buddha's chest is mentioned in some lists of the Physical characteristics of the Buddha.	Pair of Golden FishThe two golden fish symbolise the auspiciousness of all sentient beings in a state of fearlessness without danger of drowning in saṃsāra. The two golden fishes are linked with the Ganges and Yamuna nadi, prana and carp:
LotusThe lotus flower , represent the primordial purity of body, speech, and mind, floating above the muddy waters of attachment and desire. The lotus symbolizes purity and renunciation. Although the lotus has its roots in the mud at the bottom of a pond, its flower lies immaculate above the water.	ParasolThe jewelled parasol , which is similar in ritual function to the baldachin or canopy: represents the protection of beings from harmful forces and illness. It represents the canopy or firmament of the sky and therefore the expansiveness and unfolding of space and the element æther. It represents the expansiveness, unfolding and protective quality of the sahasrara: all take refuge in the dharma under the auspiciousness of the parasol.	VaseThe treasure vase represents health, longevity, wealth, prosperity, wisdom and the phenomenon of space. The treasure vase, or pot, symbolizes the Buddha's infinite quality of teaching the dharma: no matter how many teachings he shared, the treasure never lessened.
DharmaChakraThe Dharmachakra or "Wheel of the Law" represents Gautama Buddha and the Dharma teaching. This symbol is commonly used by Tibetan Buddhists, where it sometimes also includes an inner wheel of the Gankyil. Nepalese Buddhists don't use the Wheel of Law in the eight auspicious symbols.	Vicoty BannerThe dhvaja "banner, flag" was a military standard of ancient Indian warfare. The symbol represents the Buddha's victory over the four māras, or hindrances in the path of enlightenment. These hindrances are pride, desire, disturbing emotions, and the fear of death. Within the Tibetan tradition, a list of eleven different forms of the victory banner is given to represent eleven specific methods for overcoming defilement. Many variations of the dhvaja's design can be seen on the roofs of Tibetan monasteries to symbolise the Buddha's victory over four māras. Banners are placed at the four corners of monastery and temple roofs. The cylindrical banners placed on monastery roofs are often made of beaten copper.

The process begins by placing a copper sheet on a bed of wax, setting the foundation for the creation of the ritual object. The Nepali craftspersons then employ their mastery of hammering, delicately striking the copper to shape it into various forms. This methodical approach allows them to gradually mold the metal, resulting in intricate designs and details that are unique to Nepali art.

Through the hammering and folding process, the copper sheet takes on a three-dimensional quality, enhancing its visual impact. The craftspersons skillfully incorporate embossed carvings, meticulously etching sacred symbols, mantra inscriptions, and representations of revered Buddhist deities. Each stroke of the hammer and each carefully placed fold holds deep spiritual significance, capturing the essence of Buddhist teachings.

The artistry displayed in these ritual objects is a testament to the expertise and devotion of Nepali craftspersons. They bring forth their heritage, cultural understanding, and profound spirituality into every piece they create. The resulting objects not only serve as sacred tools for spiritual practices but also stand as exquisite examples of Nepali craftsmanship.

When you acquire a Buddhist Ritual Object crafted by Nepali artisans, you are not only embracing the beauty of their art but also supporting a vibrant artistic tradition. Each object becomes a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nepal and a representation of the skill and passion of its craftspersons.

Embrace the magnificence of Nepali artistry and the spiritual significance of the hammered and folded copper in these ritual objects. Let them inspire and deepen your connection to the profound teachings of Buddhism, while also honoring the mastery of Nepali craftspersons.