19" Avalokiteshvara Gilded Copper Statue from Nepal

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19" Avalokiteshvara Gilded Copper Statue from Nepal

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Name: 19" Avalokiteshvara Gilded Copper Statue from Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: MIS997
Price: 3060.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2868.75

$3825

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

A rather round face, boyish limbs, and regal attire whose folds are highlighted tastefully, Bodhisattva Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara in this gilded copper statue from Nepal can be seen in his widely revered four-armed form. His diaphanous garments are beautified by layers of pure gold, floral motifs, and precious coral and turquoise neatly studded. Seated on the potent lotus throne in the meditative Padmasana posture, this icon of Chenrezig is perfected by the Vajra symbol on the reverse along with the Dhammachakra and deer, a symbol of Buddha’s sermon at Sarnath.

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Specifications

	MIS997
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 19 inch
	Width: 14 inch
	Depth: 9 inch
	Weight 8.50 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Compassion: A Gilded Avalokiteshvara

This magnificent statue, crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with pure gold, captures the serene essence of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Revered across Buddhist traditions, Avalokiteshvara is a beacon of mercy, embodying the vow to liberate all sentient beings from suffering. The figure is depicted in a state of enlightened repose, seated gracefully upon an ornate lotus pedestal, a symbol of purity and spiritual ascent. The intricate details of the iconography speak volumes about the profound teachings and practices associated with this revered deity. ––––––––––

A Symphony of Symbolism and Craftsmanship

The artist's mastery is evident in every facet of this creation. Avalokiteshvara, often called the "Lord Who Looks Down," is portrayed with multiple arms, each holding a significant object or in a meaningful gesture. The hands brought together in anjali mudra at the heart signify reverence and union. Another hand delicately holds a lotus flower, its unfurling petals mirroring the blossoming of wisdom and compassion. The presence of the prayer beads suggests the continuous practice of mantra recitation, a path to spiritual realization. The elaborate crown, adorned with precious stones, signifies the Bodhisattva's enlightened nature and regal presence. The detailed ornamentation adorning the robes and body, including the auspicious patterns and subtle inlay work, further enhance the spiritual aura and aesthetic appeal of the statue. ––––––––––

Echoes of Ancient Legends

The lore surrounding Avalokiteshvara is vast and inspiring. According to legend, the Bodhisattva vowed to forgo enlightenment until all beings were saved. Such is the depth of his compassion that when he looked down and saw the suffering of the world, his head split into eleven pieces. Amitabha Buddha, his spiritual father, then reconstituted his head, adorning it with ten crowns, each representing a higher level of wisdom. The multifaceted nature of Avalokiteshvara is often depicted through his various forms, including the thousand-armed manifestation, each hand possessing an eye to witness suffering and extend aid. This statue, with its multiple arms, is a powerful representation of this boundless capacity for compassion and intervention in the human realm. ––––––––––

A Sacred Artifact for Devotion and Reflection

Hailing from Nepal, a land steeped in rich spiritual traditions, this statue is not merely an object of art but a conduit for devotion and contemplation. The fine craftsmanship and the lustrous gold plating evoke a sense of sacredness, making it an ideal centerpiece for a home altar, meditation space, or as a distinguished addition to a collection of Buddhist art. The presence of such an image serves as a constant reminder of the inherent potential for compassion within ourselves and the importance of extending kindness and understanding to all beings. It is an invitation to cultivate a more mindful and empathetic existence, reflecting the noble aspirations of Avalokiteshvara himself.

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.