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26" Kharchari Copper Statue from Nepal

$1551.75
$2069
25% off
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Only 1 available

Chenrezig, also known as Kharchari in Tibetan. He is seated atop a lotus with the moon's flat disc beneath, symbolizing his absolute purity, he possesses four arms, two of which are conjoined in a prayerful gesture, holding the wish-fulfilling gem.

 

In one left hand, he gently cradles a lotus flower, and in the other right hand, he holds a crystal mala (rosary), employed to count repetitions of his mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum," signifying liberation from suffering for all beings. Adorned in resplendent golden and silver silks and adorned with Bodhisattva ornaments, he embodies his exceptional qualities. Chenrezig's warm smile emanates profound understanding, love, and compassion, as his eyes gaze benevolently upon all beings. His four arms symbolize the four immeasurables: kindness, compassion, joy, and boundless equanimity.

Specifications
MIT048
Copper with Gold Plated
Height: 26 inch
Width: 19 inch
Depth: 15 inch
Weight 21.50 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.

An Embodiment of Compassion and Serenity

This magnificent copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, presents a profound visual representation of the Kharchari, a significant Bodhisattva in Buddhist iconography. The artistry and spiritual depth embedded within this piece are a testament to the rich heritage of Nepalese craftsmanship, where each creation is imbued with sacred meaning and devotional intent. The statue stands as a powerful symbol of enlightenment and compassionate action, designed to inspire peace and contemplation in its presence.

Symbolism and Divine Attributes

The Kharchari, often depicted with multiple arms, signifies the Bodhisattva's boundless capacity to reach out and aid all sentient beings. In this representation, the figure is adorned with a majestic crown, encrusted with precious stones, signifying its exalted spiritual status. The serene expression on the face, with downcast eyes and gentle lips, conveys a profound sense of inner peace and unwavering compassion. One hand is raised in the gesture of offering, holding a delicate lotus flower, a universal symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and rebirth. The other hands are positioned in gestures of blessing and protection, embodying the Bodhisattva's role as a protector and guide. The intricate detailing on the robes and ornaments further enhances the statue's regal and divine aura. The use of copper, a sacred metal in many traditions, adds to the spiritual significance of the sculpture, while the exquisite gold plating lends an ethereal glow, symbolizing purity and enlightenment.

Cultural and Mythological Significance

The Kharchari is believed to be an emanation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, one of the most revered figures in Mahayana Buddhism. Legends describe Avalokiteshvara's profound desire to alleviate the suffering of all beings. When he perceived the vastness of this task, he wept, and from his tears, Kharchari emerged, a manifestation of his compassionate vows. This particular form may also be associated with the teachings of tantric Buddhism, where deities are visualized in multi-faceted forms to encompass the totality of spiritual qualities. The tradition of creating such intricate statues in Nepal draws from centuries-old lineages of artisans who have passed down their skills and spiritual knowledge through generations, ensuring that each piece not only serves as a decorative object but also as a focal point for meditation and devotion. The placement of such figures in monasteries, temples, and homes serves as a constant reminder of the path to liberation and the importance of cultivating boundless compassion.

Artistic Mastery and Devotional Aura

The sheer scale and detailed execution of this 26-inch statue are remarkable. The sculptor has masterfully captured the serene divinity of the Kharchari, from the delicate rendering of the facial features to the flowing drapery of the robes. The textured patterns on the garments, enhanced by the interplay of copper and gold, create a sense of depth and opulence. The lotus pedestal upon which the figure is seated is a classic representation of purity and spiritual ascent, with each petal meticulously shaped and polished. The overall effect is one of profound beauty and spiritual resonance, making this statue a truly exceptional piece for any discerning collector or devotee seeking to bring a sense of sacredness and tranquility into their 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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