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19" Buddhist Deity Chenrezig Idol from Nepal | Nepalese Copper Statue

$1673.25
$2231
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Avalokiteshvara, also known as Chenrezig, embodies the essence of Buddha's compassion, choosing to delay his entry into Nirvana until all suffering ceases.

 

Chenrezig is adorned with golden jewels from head to toe. His hands are in a devotional gesture, and his upper right hand holds a special symbol, a crystal akshamala or rosary, representing the endless cycle. He is using the rosary to count the repetitions of his mantra. His left hand clasps a lotus, symbolizing liberation from suffering to enlightenment. Draped in red and golden silk, and seated in the Padmasana "meditative pose" on lotus petals, Avalokiteshvara emanates compassion.

Specifications
MIS707
COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED
Height: 19 inch
Width: 14 inch
Depth: 9 inch
Weight 9.40 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.

The Embodiment of Boundless Compassion

This magnificent statue captures the serene presence of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, as envisioned in Nepalese Buddhist tradition. Crafted from robust copper and adorned with exquisite gold plating, this deity figure emanates an aura of profound peace and boundless love. Chenrezig, revered as the earthly manifestation of the Buddha's compassion, is central to Mahayana Buddhism, representing the ideal of delaying one's own enlightenment to help all sentient beings achieve theirs. The very act of meditating on Chenrezig's form is believed to cultivate compassion within the practitioner, a powerful antidote to suffering in the world. The artistry of this 19-inch idol speaks volumes about the skill of Nepalese artisans. Each element, from the gentle curve of the face to the intricate details of the adornments, is meticulously rendered. The statue depicts Chenrezig seated in the traditional lotus posture, a symbol of purity and spiritual ascent. His primary hands are clasped in *anjali mudra* (a gesture of prayer and respect), a posture that invites devotion and introspection. The additional arms signify his ability to respond to the suffering of countless beings across all realms. One hand gently holds a lotus flower, a bloom that rises unstained from the mud, representing purity and enlightenment. The other hand holds a mala, or prayer beads, signifying his constant recitation of mantras for the benefit of all.

A Testament to Devotion and Craftsmanship

The rich copper base, complemented by the shimmering gold plating, lends a sense of regality and spiritual weight to the deity. This combination of materials not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also imbues the statue with a sacred quality. In Nepalese culture, copper is often used for sacred objects due to its malleability and ability to hold intricate designs, while gold plating signifies purity, divinity, and the highest spiritual attainment. The detailed crown and ornamentation adorning Chenrezig’s head further emphasize his divine nature and the majesty of his compassionate mission. The serene expression, the downcast gaze, and the subtle smile all converge to convey an image of unconditional love and empathy, inviting the viewer to connect with this powerful symbol of universal kindness. This statue serves not only as a devotional object but also as a breathtaking piece of art, bringing the profound spiritual essence of Nepalese Buddhism into any space.

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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