5" Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) Sculpture from Nepal | Copper Statue with Gold Plated

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5" Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara) Sculpture from Nepal | Copper Statue with Gold Plated

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Avalokitesvara, also known as Chenrezig in Tibetan Buddhism, is the embodiment of compassion and offers aid to those in physical or emotional distress. Avalokitesvara holds a special place in the hearts of Tibetans, symbolizing unwavering compassion that encompasses the boundless kindness of all Buddhas.

In the four-armed form of Avalokitesvara, he appears in a white hue. His first two hands are joined in a prayer gesture at his heart, symbolizing his profound commitment to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. In his other right hand, he cradles a crystal rosary, signifying his capacity to liberate beings from the cycle of Samsara, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

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Specifications

	MIS579
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 5.5 inch
	Width: 4 inch
	Depth: 2 inch
	Weight 600 gm

Delivery and Return Policies

	Ships in 1-3 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.

A Beacon of Compassion and Enlightenment

This exquisite sculpture embodies the essence of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, also known as Avalokiteshvara in Sanskrit. Revered across Tibetan Buddhism and beyond, Chenrezig is the embodiment of boundless love and mercy, the one who hears the cries of the world and offers solace and liberation. This representation, originating from the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, captures the serene and benevolent countenance of this beloved deity. The intricate details and the radiant gold plating speak to the devotion and craftsmanship poured into its creation, making it a powerful focal point for meditation and spiritual practice.

The Iconography of Mercy

The figure is depicted with multiple arms, symbolizing Chenrezig's vast ability to manifest in countless forms to aid all sentient beings. The hands are arranged in various mudras, or symbolic gestures. The primary gesture of the two central hands pressed together at the heart signifies devotion and the union of compassion and wisdom. The other hands are adorned with symbolic objects, each holding profound meaning. This iconography reflects the understanding that Chenrezig's compassionate gaze and actions extend in all directions, responding to the myriad needs of existence. The serene expression, downcast eyes, and gentle smile are characteristic of a being who has transcended worldly suffering and now dedicates their existence to guiding others towards peace.

Crafted with Reverence

Crafted from copper, a material known for its conductivity and spiritual resonance, this sculpture is further enhanced by a lustrous gold plating. The gold, a symbol of purity, royalty, and spiritual illumination, imbues the statue with a divine aura. The deliberate use of vibrant turquoise and red stones adds further visual richness and symbolic depth, representing the five wisdoms and the five buddha families respectively, further enriching the visual narrative of Chenrezig's enlightened qualities. Each curve, each delicately rendered feature, is a testament to the artisan's skill and their deep understanding of Buddhist iconography. This piece is not merely an object of art but a vessel of spiritual energy, meant to inspire devotion and foster a connection with the boundless compassion of Chenrezig.

Cultural Significance and Devotion

The legend of Chenrezig is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Tibet and the Himalayan regions. It is said that the Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of Chenrezig, a living embodiment of compassion. The mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," intimately associated with Chenrezig, is believed to hold the essence of all Buddhist teachings and is chanted by devotees to invoke his blessings and cultivate their own compassionate nature. Possessing and meditating upon an image of Chenrezig is a practice aimed at developing empathy, reducing suffering, and ultimately achieving enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. This statue serves as a tangible reminder of this profound commitment to universal well-being.

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.