31" Large Thousand Armed Avalokiteshvara Idol from Nepal
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31" Large Thousand Armed Avalokiteshvara Idol from Nepal

$6098.25
$8131
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Placed on a golden platform which is an amalgamation of royal Padmasana and Simhasana this large thousand-armed and eleven-headed Nepalese statue of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara is a representation of the endless powers and compassion of the deity. The symmetry and oneness between the ten blissful faces of Avalokiteshvara, the balance between his multiple hands and bodies, and the glorious aureole underline the skill of the artisan in making this gilded copper statue. Refined aesthetics of Nepalese art can be seen in the tiny stones perfectly studded in Avalokiteshvara’s opulent jewelry.

Specifications
MIU203
COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
Height: 31 inch
Width: 23 inch
Depth: 9 inch
Weight 15.30 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 Infinite Compassion

This magnificent statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, depicts Avalokiteshvara in his thousand-armed form, a powerful manifestation of boundless compassion and mercy. Avalokiteshvara, also known as Chenrezig in Tibetan Buddhism, is the Bodhisattva of Compassion, revered as the spiritual son of the Buddha. His thousand arms symbolize his ability to reach out and offer solace and protection to all beings in the universe. This image captures the essence of his omnipresent care and his unwavering commitment to alleviate suffering.

A Vision of Enlightenment

The sculpture is a breathtaking testament to Nepalese artistry, with each detail rendered with profound reverence. The central figure of Avalokiteshvara is adorned with serene facial expressions, conveying peace and profound wisdom. The multiple heads stacked above represent different levels of consciousness and understanding, culminating in the uppermost head which is often depicted as the Buddha or a representation of ultimate enlightenment. The multitude of arms, emanating outwards like rays of light, are each intricately sculpted and hold various symbolic implements, signifying different skillful means employed by the Bodhisattva to guide sentient beings towards liberation. ––––––––––––––––––––

Sacred Aura and Golden Radiance

The entire idol is copper gilded with pure gold, imbuing it with an ethereal radiance and a sacred aura that commands awe and devotion. The lustrous gold finish symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and the celestial nature of Avalokiteshvara. The intricate detailing of the vast aureole, adorned with elaborate patterns and textures, further enhances the divine presence of the deity. Each hand, outstretched and open, seems to offer blessings and protection, inviting contemplation and spiritual connection. The base upon which Avalokiteshvara stands is equally ornate, featuring traditional motifs and decorative elements that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Himalayas. This sculpture is not merely an object of art; it is a powerful spiritual conduit, designed to inspire practitioners and bring a sense of peace and divine presence to any sacred space. It serves as a constant reminder of the Bodhisattva's promise to remain in the world until all beings are free from suffering.

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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