This
enormous 1,000-armed, eleven-headed statue
of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara from Nepal represents the limitless strength
and compassion of the deity. It is set on a golden pedestal that combines the
poses of the royal Padmasana and Simhasana. The balance between
Avalokiteshvara's numerous hands and bodies, the symmetry and unity of his 10
joyous faces, and the magnificent aureole highlight the artisan's expertise in
creating this gilded
copper statue. The tiny stones that are skillfully set in the lavish jewelry
worn by Avalokiteshvara display the refined aesthetics of Nepalese art.
Embodiment of Boundless Compassion
This magnificent statue is a striking representation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, in his thousand-armed form. Revered across various Mahayana Buddhist traditions, Avalokiteshvara is a figure of immense empathy and wisdom, dedicated to relieving the suffering of all sentient beings. The legend tells of Avalokiteshvara, in his boundless compassion, wishing to help all beings and manifesting with a thousand arms and eleven heads. Each hand is depicted with an eye, symbolizing the all-seeing nature of his wisdom and the capacity to perceive and address every form of suffering. This intricate depiction captures the essence of this powerful deity, radiating an aura of profound peace and spiritual strength.Artistry from the Himalayas
Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in rich Buddhist heritage and artistic tradition, this statue is a testament to the skill of its creators. The core material is high-quality copper, meticulously shaped and then gilded with pure gold. This traditional technique not only enhances the visual splendor of the piece, making it gleam with divine light, but also imbues it with a sense of sacredness and permanence. The intricate details of each of the countless hands, the serene faces of the multiple heads, and the flowing robes of the central figure are rendered with exceptional precision. The gilded surface reflects light beautifully, symbolizing the illuminating wisdom of the Bodhisattva, while the red halo behind him signifies his radiant energy and protective power.A Symbol of Hope and Enlightenment
The thousand-armed Avalokiteshvara is a powerful symbol of universal love, a protector against fear, and a guide on the path to enlightenment. In Buddhist cosmology, he is seen as an active presence in the world, responding to the cries of those in distress. His numerous arms represent his tireless efforts to reach out and offer solace, guidance, and protection. Displaying this statue in your home or meditation space can serve as a constant reminder of the power of compassion, the importance of mindfulness, and the aspiration to alleviate suffering in the world. It is a piece that inspires devotion, contemplation, and a deeper connection to spiritual ideals, bringing an element of sacred beauty and profound meaning into your environment.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.
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.
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.
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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