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18" Chenrezig (Four Armed Avalokiteshvara) | Copper Statue from Nepal

$942
$1256
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Chenrezig, also known as Avalokiteshvara, is a deity visualized in various forms within Buddhism, each signifying distinct attributes.

 

He is seen having four arms, with two hands joined in prayer, holding the wish-fulfilling gem. In his other left hand, he cradles a lotus flower, while his other right hand grasps a crystal mala (rosary), used for reciting his mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum," a powerful tool for liberating all beings from suffering.

 

Chenrezig adorns himself in the silks and ornaments befitting a Bodhisattva, representing his exceptional qualities. Draped over his shoulder is the soft skin of an antelope, symbolizing his complete aversion to violence and his commitment to non-harmful ways.

Specifications
MIS656
Copper with Gold Plated
Height: 18 inch
Width: 14 inch
Depth: 9 inch
Weight 7.90 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.

Embodiment of Compassion: A Four-Armed Chenrezig

This exquisite statue depicts Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, also known as Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit. Revered across Mahayana Buddhism, Chenrezig is an embodiment of the compassion of all Buddhas. The tradition tells that he shed tears of compassion for sentient beings, and from these tears, the goddess Tara was born. His name, Chenrezig, translates to "one who sees with an unblinking eye," symbolizing his constant vigilance and boundless empathy towards all suffering. In Tibetan Buddhism, he is particularly revered, and the Dalai Lama is considered his earthly emanation.

Iconography and Symbolism

The four arms of this magnificent representation are significant. The two primary hands are held in the *namaste* gesture, a sign of respect and greeting, positioned at the heart chakra, signifying the center of spiritual connection. The upper right hand holds a mala, or rosary, symbolizing the continuous cycle of prayer and meditation for the benefit of all beings. The upper left hand cradles a lotus flower, a potent symbol of purity, enlightenment, and the blossoming of wisdom from the muddy waters of ignorance. The serene expression on Chenrezig's face, with his eyes gently closed, speaks of deep inner peace and profound wisdom, while his slightly parted lips suggest a gentle smile, radiating kindness.

Artistry and Craftsmanship

Crafted in Nepal, this statue showcases the exceptional skill of Nepalese artisans. Cast in durable copper and meticulously finished with gold plating, the statue possesses a radiant aura that draws the eye and inspires devotion. The intricate details of Chenrezig's robes, adorned with delicate patterns, and the regal ornamentation, including the elaborate crown and bracelets, highlight the masterful craftsmanship involved. The base upon which Chenrezig is seated is a lotus throne, a traditional symbol of purity and spiritual ascent. The overall aesthetic speaks of a deep understanding of Buddhist iconography and a commitment to creating sacred art that resonates with spiritual significance.

A Divine Presence for Your Sanctuary

This eighteen-inch statue is more than just an object of art; it is a powerful spiritual presence. It serves as a focal point for meditation, prayer, and contemplation, inviting practitioners to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and inner peace. Its commanding yet gentle presence makes it a fitting addition to any home altar, meditation space, or sacred sanctuary, offering a tangible connection to the boundless compassion of Chenrezig. The warm tones of the copper, enhanced by the gleaming gold, imbue the piece with an heirloom quality, destined to be cherished for generations.

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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