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20" Four Armed Avalokiteshvara From Nepal

$2976.75
$3969
25% off
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On the brink of his youth-  a stage which is marked by his soft features which have a boyish beauty about them, this Nepalese statue of Avalokiteshvara in his four-armed forms is a heavenly vision of the Bodhisattva. There is a delicateness in the expressions, ornamentation, and physique of Avalokiteshvara, giving this representation a mesmerizing appearance. Joining his hands together, Chenrezig or Avalokiteshvara holds the wish-fulfilling jewel, symbolic of the potencies of enlightenment, close to his heart.

Specifications
MIU278
COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
Height: 20 inch
Width: 15 inch
Depth: 11.5 inch
Weight 8.80 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 and Enlightenment

This magnificent statue portrays Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, in his revered four-armed form. Crafted with exceptional skill in Nepal, this artwork is meticulously fashioned from copper and lavishly gilded with pure gold, reflecting the divine radiance associated with enlightenment. The serene countenance, adorned with the wisdom of the ages, invites contemplation and peace. Each element of this sacred figure is imbued with deep spiritual significance, embodying the boundless compassion that Avalokiteshvara extends to all sentient beings. ––––––––––––––––––

Symbolism and Significance

The four arms of Avalokiteshvara represent his omnipresent awareness and his manifold abilities to manifest in various forms to aid those in need. The two primary hands are depicted in the

Anjali Mudra

, a gesture of prayer and reverence, signifying the harmonious union of wisdom and method. One of the upper hands holds a

wish-fulfilling jewel

, symbolizing the fulfillment of aspirations and the boundless blessings he bestows. The other upper hand cradles a

lotus flower

, the universally recognized symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and the transcendence of worldly suffering. The intricate adornments, including the ornate crown and elaborate jewelry, further emphasize his celestial status and the richness of his enlightened qualities. The lotus throne upon which he is seated is a testament to his ability to remain untainted by the defilements of the world, just as a lotus grows beautifully from muddy waters. ––––––––––––––––––

A Legacy of Devotion

Avalokiteshvara is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, renowned for his immense compassion and his vow to liberate all beings from suffering. Legends tell of his deep sorrow at witnessing the pain in the world, a sorrow so profound that his head split into eleven pieces, which were then reformed by Amitabha Buddha into the eleven-faced form of Avalokiteshvara, each face representing a different aspect of compassion. The four-armed form, often referred to as

Chatur-Bhuja Avalokiteshvara

, is particularly significant in Tibetan Buddhism and is a powerful icon of protection and guidance. This exquisite statue, originating from Nepal, a land rich in Buddhist heritage and artistry, serves as a tangible connection to this profound spiritual lineage. Its creation is a testament to the skill of Nepalese artisans who have preserved these sacred traditions for generations, bringing forth an object of devotion that can inspire and uplift. ––––––––––––––––––

A Treasure for Your Sanctuary

This radiant Avalokiteshvara statue is more than just a beautiful object; it is a profound symbol of hope, compassion, and spiritual aspiration. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of peace and mindfulness. The lustrous gold finish catches the light, imbuing your surroundings with a divine glow, while the detailed craftsmanship speaks of a devotion to beauty and spiritual integrity. Whether placed in a meditation room, a personal altar, or a living space, this statue serves as a constant reminder of the power of compassion and the potential for enlightenment that resides within us all. It is a treasure that will bring blessings and serenity to your home for years to come.

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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