Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

10" Chenrezig Idol from Nepal | Nepalese Copper Statues

$576.75
$769
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

Enter the divine presence of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion in Tibetan Buddhism. Chenrezig is a bodhisattva with a thousand arms, each extending compassionately with an eye in the palm, watchful over the suffering of all sentient beings. Chenrezig is gentle, magnificent, adoring with the regalia befitting a bodhisattva, radiating serene compassion. The mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum” resonates with the essence of Cherezig, symbolizing the recognition of the jewel within the lotus–the inherent potential for enlightenment within every being.

 

In your meditation on Chenrezig, feel the boundless compassion and mercy emanating from this bodhisattva. The four hands symbolize the four virtues: Love, Compassion, Joy, and self-control, holding a lotus, and rosary. While the mantra becomes a harmonious melody, echoing the profound call for compassion and the realization of the inner jewel within every lotus of existence.

Specifications
WSA057
Copper
Height: 10 inch
Width: 4.5 inch
Depth: 7 inch
Weight 3.14 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodying Compassion: The Eleven-Headed Chenrezig

This exquisite copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, depicts the benevolent Bodhisattva Chenrezig, known in Sanskrit as Avalokiteshvara. Revered as the embodiment of compassion and mercy, Chenrezig is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, a deity to whom countless prayers are offered for solace, protection, and the alleviation of suffering. Legend has it that Chenrezig, witnessing the vastness of sentient beings' pain, shed tears of immense sorrow. From these tears, the female deity Tara emerged, symbolizing the active, compassionate response to suffering. The iconography of this eleven-headed form is profound. Each face represents a different level of enlightenment or a facet of compassion. The central, primary faces radiate serene composure, while the additional heads, often depicted in peaceful, wrathful, or ecstatic states, symbolize the boundless nature of Chenrezig's wisdom and ability to respond to the myriad forms of suffering in the world. The primary hands are held in the Anjali Mudra, the gesture of prayer and supplication, signifying devotion and mindfulness. The other hands hold symbolic objects: one grasps a lotus flower, representing purity and spiritual unfolding, while another holds a mala, a string of prayer beads, symbolizing the continuous cycle of compassion and prayer. ––––––––––––––––––

Artistry of the Himalayas

Crafted from high-quality copper, this statue is a testament to the enduring artistry of Nepalese artisans. The medium of copper lends itself to detailed repoussé work, allowing for the intricate ornamentation seen in the Bodhisattva's crown, jewelry, and the decorative elements adorning his robes. The rich, warm patina of the copper evokes a sense of antiquity and spiritual depth, enhancing the profound aura of the deity. Each curve and line is executed with precision, reflecting a deep understanding of Buddhist iconography and aesthetic principles that have been refined over centuries. The serene expression, the graceful posture, and the symbolic gestures all contribute to a powerful visual representation of Chenrezig's compassionate essence. This statue serves not only as a devotional object but also as a significant piece of cultural heritage. Nepalese artisans have a long tradition of creating sacred art for monasteries, temples, and homes, preserving and transmitting spiritual wisdom through their craft. The creation of such idols is often accompanied by specific rituals and blessings, imbuing them with spiritual potency. Owning this statue is to possess a tangible connection to this rich spiritual and artistic lineage, bringing a sense of peace, mindfulness, and the profound energy of compassion into your sacred space. It is an object designed to inspire contemplation and to serve as a constant reminder of the power of boundless empathy.

How are Nepalese copper statues made?

Nepalese statues and sculptures are best known for their unique small religious figures and ritual paraphernalia for over two thousand years. These are mainly cast in copper alloy. Nepal draws influences from the artistic styles of Buddhism and Hinduism, and therefore the sculptors of the country specialize in making the icons of both these religions. Over the years, Nepalese sculptures evolved into their own distinctive iconography. Some characteristic features of these sculptures that differ from other pieces are exaggerated physical postures, youthful and sensual features, languid eyes, wider faces having serene expressions, and ornate flourishes. The Buddhist deity icons of Nepal have tremendous demand in countries such as China and Tibet for ritual purposes in their temples and monasteries.

Nepalese statues and sculptures have a high copper content and therefore develop a slightly reddish patina on the surface as they age. However, the most unique feature of Nepalese copper statues is their decorative detailing. The pieces are heavily gilded and sometimes inlaid with semi-precious stones. This embellishment protects them from getting tarnished. The traditional lost-wax method for casting Nepalese copper statues remains the most practiced technique in Nepal for many centuries. This process involves many steps and requires skilled artists.

The first step in lost-wax sculpting is to make a wax replica of the desired Buddhist deity to be cast in copper. This replica is created by hand and therefore needs excellent artistic skills otherwise fine features will be lacking.

Once the wax replica is made, it is then coated with a special mixture of clay with a brush. This layer of clay is hardened when left to dry. A small hole is made on the base of the wax mould so that the wax flows away when it is heated.
Image
At this stage, a hollow mould in the shape of the deity is obtained.

This is the time to pour liquid copper into the hollow mould which is then allowed to cool and harden inside a container of cold water. When the liquid metal has hardened, the mould is removed and the statue within is revealed.
Image
The artist works on the details of the statue using various tools. It is then polished to get a shiny and lustrous surface.

Now comes the most important part of Nepalese art which is gold gilding. This is done by the traditional fire gilding method. A mixture of mercury and 18K gold is applied on the surface of the statue and heat is applied using a flame torch. The result is that mercury evaporates along with impurities, leaving a pure 24K gold finish.
Image

The lost-wax method of sculpting is the most preferred technique

for artists to cast a metallic statue having intricate details. Since Nepalese copper sculptures require extraneous effort for giving a majestic look by adding special embellishments, it takes several weeks to complete one masterpiece. A 24K gold gilded copper sculpture retains its brilliant luster for many years and appears as like before. Nepalese sculptures continue to remain one of the finest specimens of the art of the East that have a strong aesthetic appeal that other sculptures cannot match.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy