BHANTE CLAY DEVOTIONAL OBJECTS

Bhante bowls

£52 each. Approx 8cm H x 14cm W

My hope is that these objects offer a special sense of connection with Sangharakshita for those for whom he is their Buddhist teacher. They may also serve as an aesthetic and subtle memento mori, or as a reminder of the truth of impermanence for anyone drawn to such reflection.

At present, I am making symbolic alms bowls and malas. You can read more about the process — from raw clay dug from the ground to a workable clay body — in Bhante Clay Process.

Please contact me if you would like to find out more or place an order.

Bhante bowl with hand carved exterior and glaze detail

Pale green Bhante bowl with hand carved exterior and red rose next to it.

Pale earth coloured Bhante bowl with hand carved exterior.

"I love Sassirika's ceramics. Each piece is uniquely beautiful. The shrine bowls made from the clay from Bhante's grave have made very special gifts to some dear friends."

Satyadasa

"Sassirika listened with care and receptivity to my vision of the alms-bowl, and knowing her work, I simply trusted whatever would emerge in the meeting between her and the clay. I was moved and delighted when I saw the bowls: one for myself, and one a gift for a friend. They are perfectly crafted - subtle and beautiful in their form, weight, finish, colouring. Each one uniquely marked but in harmony with the other."

Akasajoti

Green patina Bhante bowl with hand carved exterior.

Green Bhante bowl with stamped exterior.

Grey/green Bhante bowl with stamped exterior.

"I have bought a number of Bhante bowls to gift to friends. They are such pleasing objects in themselves, elegantly and delicately shaped, with such subtle glazes, so evocative of the beauty that was of great importance to Sangharakshita. I was given one myself some years ago, which now finds its place on my shrine as my incense bowl. Sometimes, I just sit contemplating its perfection, as the smoke curls from it: it is exactly as it should be."

Subhuti

Dark green Bhante clay spherical bowl with hand carved exterior

£34 each.

Spherical bowl. Approx 7cm H x 9cm W

Pale green Bhante clay spherical bowl with hand carved exterior

£34 each.

Spherical bowl. Approx 7cm H x 9cm W

White/brown Bhante clay spherical bowl with hand carved exterior

£34 each.

Spherical bowl. Approx 7cm H x 9cm W

Burgundy Bhante bowl with twist faceted exterior.

£38 each.

Faceted bowl. Approx 7cm H x 10.5cm W

Toasty coloured Bhante bowl with twist faceted exterior.

£38 each.

Faceted bowl. Approx 7cm H x 10.5cm W

Malas

£120 for 108 beads, £65 for 54 beads

Red Bhante clay mala (Buddhist prayer beads)

Green Bhante clay mala (Buddhist rosary)

Cream coloured Bhante clay mala (Buddhist rosary)

“My Bhante clay mala is both beautiful and clearly made to a very high standard. The quality and care in the craftsmanship really show. Her ceramics have a warmth and integrity to them that make them a perfect gift — beautiful, meaningful, well-made, and a joy to give or receive.”

Cahit Ali

Burgundy Bhante clay mala (Buddhist rosary)

"If I were to name my most precious objects, a mala, made by Sassirika, would be near the top of the list. I meditate with it in my hands everyday"

Andrew Burton

See Buddhist Jewellery for more Bhante clay objects.

"I am so pleased with the mala beads Sassirika made for me on request. Since receiving them I meditate with them every day. They are very smooth to hold and fill my heart with love as Sassirika made them with earth from our Buddhist teacher's grave."

Alokavira

Pale green Bhante clay mala (Buddhist rosary)

"I first saw this mala ten months ago, I was completely drawn to it by its beauty, and I just loved the colours. Then Sassirika told me that she had made the beads from the earth of my Buddhist teacher's grave and that she had worked the soil to turn it into a clay ready to make these beads and mala.

The knots in between the beads represent the interconnection between all beings and the pendant is Kuan Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion.

This mala is so beautifully made, with deep meaning and thoughtful detail. I use it every day and look at it many times a day admiring its beauty and meaning."

Prajnamala

Dark blue Bhante clay mala ((Buddhist prayer beads)

Bhante clay shrine set

Flat-lay of shrine set showing seven little bowls, an incense bowl, a vase, and a tray.

£220.

Comprises 11 pieces: vase, incense bowl, incense tray, 8 offering bowls.

Wheel-thrown and hand-built, decorated, with layered glazes.

Dimensions (approx)

Vase: 6.5 x 7cm ⌀

Incense bowl: 4.5 x 7cm ⌀

Incense tray: 2.5 x 13 x 5.5cm

Offering bowls: 3.5 x 6cm ⌀

“Some of Sassirika’s work is made for contemplation and ritual, and it adds a real richness and depth of meaning to a shrine. I have also gifted her pieces to friends, and they have all been received with delight and happiness.”

Sraddhagita