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15" Kharchari Copper Sculpture | Nepalese Copper Statue

$2264.25
$3019
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Kharchari is another form of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Kharchari statue infused with copper and gold, wearing the ornaments of a bodhisattva, has two hands close to his heart, he holds the Chintamani, or the wish-fulfilling jewel, while in the other two hands is the rosary making the symbol of infinity and a lotus. His gentle countenance radiates with an expression of deep wisdom and benevolence, offering solace to those who seek his guidance. The artwork in this copper statue with gold gilding is mesmerizing form and is adorned with minute details and expertly made.

Specifications
CAA093
Copper With Gold
Height: 15 inch
Width: 12 inch
Depth: 7 inch
Weight 6.60 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 Vision of Compassion and Enlightenment

This exquisite copper sculpture, gilded with pure gold, embodies the serene grace and profound wisdom of the Bodhisattva. Standing at 15 inches tall, this Nepalese masterpiece is a testament to the rich artistic traditions and spiritual depth of the region. The figure is depicted in the classic posture of meditation, seated on a multi-tiered lotus base, a symbol of purity and spiritual ascent. The intricate detailing of the flowing robes, adorned with delicate patterns, speaks of the artisan's meticulous craftsmanship and devotion. The Bodhisattva's face is serene and benevolent, with downcast eyes conveying deep contemplation and boundless compassion. The crown adorning the head is a symbol of royalty and spiritual authority, further embellished with precious stones that catch the light, adding to the statue's divine aura. The presence of multiple arms is significant; in Buddhist iconography, additional arms often represent a Bodhisattva's multifaceted abilities to perceive, understand, and act to alleviate suffering in the world. One hand is held in the gesture of prayer, signifying devotion and union, while another gently cradles a lotus blossom, a potent symbol of enlightenment and spiritual awakening, blooming amidst the mud of ignorance.

Mythological Resonance and Cultural Significance

The concept of the Bodhisattva is central to Mahayana Buddhism, representing beings who have achieved enlightenment but choose to forgo their own nirvana out of compassion for all sentient beings. They are the compassionate saviors, the guides on the path to liberation. This particular representation likely draws inspiration from deities like Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, whose myriad forms and epithets reflect his ceaseless efforts to aid humanity. In tales, Avalokiteshvara is said to have manifested in various forms to teach the Dharma and to protect those in need, embodying a powerful force of universal love and mercy. The intricate iconography of this sculpture, from the posture to the symbolic objects held, is deeply rooted in centuries of Buddhist philosophy and artistic practice, designed to inspire awe and facilitate spiritual connection.

Artistic Mastery and Material Brilliance

Crafted from robust copper and then sumptuously gilded with gold, this sculpture possesses a radiant luminescence that signifies spiritual purity and auspiciousness. The lustrous gold finish not only enhances the visual appeal but also evokes the divine essence of the deity it represents. The sculpting itself is remarkable, with a dynamism in the posture and a delicate precision in the ornamentation that brings the figure to life. The lotus base, with its gracefully rendered petals, appears almost alive, a foundation of spiritual growth. The intricate patterns etched onto the garments add a tactile and visual richness, suggesting the divine clothing of a celestial being. This piece is more than just an object of art; it is a conduit for spiritual devotion, a tangible manifestation of the aspiration for compassion and enlightenment. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of peace and contemplation.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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