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" Kharchari Copper Statue from Nepal | Nepalese Copper Idols

$581.25
$775
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

Kharchari is another form of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. The Kharchari Statue is infused with copper and is depicted as four-armed enthroned on a beautiful lotus. He has a rosary in the right hand and a full-blown lotus in the left hand. The other two principal hands are in a namaskar mudra (salutation pose) holding Chintamani or the wish-fulfilling jewel, symbolizing knowledge. It is believed that inviting the divine energy of the Kharchari into your home can enchant prosperity, protection, and spiritual harmony in the household.

Specifications
CAA048
Copper
Height: 10 inch
Width: 6.5 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 2.20 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 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.

A Beacon of Compassion: The Multifaceted Bodhisattva

This exquisite copper statue, originating from the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, embodies the profound spirit of a Bodhisattva, a being devoted to achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings. The intricate craftsmanship and the lustrous copper medium speak to the deep spiritual reverence embedded in Nepalese art. The Bodhisattva is depicted in a state of serene contemplation, seated in the lotus posture, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, upon an elaborately decorated tiered base. The multifaceted nature of the Bodhisattva is visually represented by its multiple arms. Each hand is posed with distinct mudras, or symbolic gestures, conveying different aspects of spiritual power and wisdom. The central hands are joined in Anjali Mudra, the gesture of prayer and salutation, signifying reverence and devotion. The upper arms hold symbolic objects, often representing the tools of enlightenment and compassion. One arm might hold a lotus flower, a universal emblem of purity, rebirth, and the blossoming of consciousness, or perhaps a sacred text, the repository of profound teachings. The presence of multiple limbs is a common motif in Buddhist iconography, representing the boundless capabilities of a Bodhisattva to act in the world and alleviate suffering.

Craftsmanship and Symbolism from the Himalayan Peaks

The artistry of this statue is evident in every detail, from the delicate rendering of the Bodhisattva's serene facial features to the ornate crown adorning its head, a symbol of spiritual sovereignty. The flowing robes and the subtle musculature suggest a divine yet accessible presence. The traditional Nepalese style is characterized by its fine detail, vibrant iconography, and deep spiritual narrative, which is masterfully captured in this copper work. The copper itself, a metal associated with conductivity and purity, is ideal for an object of spiritual devotion. Its enduring nature ensures that the message of compassion and enlightenment conveyed by the Bodhisattva will persist through time. The patina of the copper, achieved through skilled artisans, lends a sense of age and sacredness to the piece, as if it has witnessed centuries of devotion. This statue is not merely an object of beauty; it is a conduit to spiritual contemplation and a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhist art in the Himalayan region. It serves as a powerful reminder of the path to enlightenment and the compassionate actions that pave the way.

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