This art form is shrouded in secrecy, as each artisan holds their own closely guarded formulas and methods. With deep knowledge of materials and an artistic sensibility, they skillfully replicate the natural aging process, infusing the Book Cover with a sense of authenticity and character. The result is a captivating piece that tells a visual story, evoking a bygone era and adding a touch of allure to any space.

The artist's dedication to creating an aged aesthetic goes beyond mere appearance. It is a deliberate and intentional effort to give the Book Cover a unique identity, imbued with the charm and beauty of time. With every carefully applied treatment and artistic touch, the Book Cover becomes a work of art that not only stands as a testament to the artisan's skill but also carries a sense of history and narrative, making it truly exceptional.

Each syllable of the mantra represents a specific quality:

"Om" represents the pure exalted body, speech, and mind of enlightened beings.
"Mani" symbolizes the jewel, which stands for the altruistic intention to attain enlightenment.
"Padme" means lotus and represents wisdom.
"Hum" signifies indivisibility and unity.
When reciting or meditating upon this mantra, practitioners aim to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all beings. It is believed to have the power to purify negative emotions, liberate from suffering, and lead toward enlightenment.

The mantra is often chanted, written, or inscribed on prayer flags, wheels, and stones. Its resonance and repetition are said to create positive vibrations that benefit both the practitioner and the surrounding environment.

The Buddha was born into an aristocratic family in the Shakya clan but eventually renounced lay life. According to Buddhist tradition, after several years of mendicancy, meditation, and asceticism, he awakened to understand the mechanism which keeps people trapped in the cycle of rebirth. The Buddha then traveled throughout the Ganges plain teaching and building a religious community. The Buddha taught a middle way between sensual indulgence and the severe asceticism found in the Indian śramaṇa movement. He taught a training of the mind that included ethical training, self-restraint, and meditative practices such as jhana and mindfulness. The Buddha also critiqued the practices of Brahmin priests, such as animal sacrifice and the caste system.

A couple of centuries after his death he came to be known by the title Buddha, which means "Awakened One" or "Enlightened One". Gautama's teachings were compiled by the Buddhist community in the Vinaya, his codes for monastic practice, and the Suttas, texts based on his discourses. These were passed down in Middle-Indo Aryan dialects through an oral tradition. Later generations composed additional texts, such as systematic treatises known as Abhidharma, biographies of the Buddha, collections of stories about the Buddha's past lives known as Jataka tales, and additional discourses, i.e. the Mahayana sutras.

This adherence to color accuracy is akin to the meticulous artistry seen in thangka paintings. To achieve this finishing, organic colors and genuine gold are used, while the expertise of a skilled thangka artist is sought, as painting on a metal surface requires a distinct set of skills to bring out the elegance and beauty of the statue.

By employing this traditional coloring method, the Book Cover is not only aesthetically pleasing but also maintains its cultural authenticity, paying homage to the rich traditions and practices associated with Buddhist art.