8" Avalokiteshvara Copper Figurine from Nepal

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8" Avalokiteshvara Copper Figurine from Nepal

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$633

$844

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Exuding a heavenly beauty and stillness, with hints of animation, this stunning copper statue from Nepal reminds one of the metal icons of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara found in Sri Lanka, which depicts the deity in a similar luxurious pose and mood.

Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who is the embodiment of supreme benevolence is represented in this copper statue seated on a square pedestal, immersed in a meditative tranquility. He wears his tresses in a traditional updo, with hair falling on his shoulder beautifully. Avalokiteshvara wears a silken garment, delineated in the statue with a stretching effect on his knee and a gorgeous flow of fabric on the front.

The gracefulness of the statue however comes from the youthful form of the Bodhisattva, which is highlighted in his narrow face, fine features, and supple body. Balancing his form beautifully on his left hand, Avalokiteshvara raises his right hand in the Katakahasta mudra, and sits in the regal Lalitasana (beautiful pose) or Rajalilasana (posture of royal ease), attesting to his stature as one of the most popular and revered beings in Buddhism.

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Specifications

	WSA076
	Copper
	Height: 8 inch
	Width: 5.5 inch
	Depth: 5.5 inch
	Weight 1.96 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 12 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.

The Embodiment of Compassion

Behold this exquisite copper figurine, an artistic representation of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Crafted with meticulous detail in Nepal, this piece embodies the boundless mercy and wisdom that Avalokiteshvara is revered for across Buddhist traditions. His serene countenance, with downcast eyes, suggests a profound inner peace and a deep understanding of the suffering of all sentient beings. The gentle gesture of his raised hand signifies his readiness to offer solace and guidance, a perpetual invitation to seek refuge in his boundless compassion.

A Symbol of Spiritual Aspiration

Avalokiteshvara, known as Chenrezig in Tibetan Buddhism, is a central figure in the Mahayana tradition. Legend tells of his vow to liberate all beings from suffering, a commitment so profound that he was granted the ability to appear in countless forms to aid those in need. This figurine captures him in a moment of contemplative grace, seated regally upon a dark, wooden base that accentuates the rich, warm tones of the copper. The intricate detailing of his robes, adorned with subtle patterns and a jeweled belt, speaks to the divine nature of his presence. His elaborate headdress further signifies his enlightened status, crowned with symbols of his spiritual power and wisdom.

The Artistry of Nepal

The creation of such sacred art is a practice deeply rooted in Nepalese culture. Skilled artisans, drawing upon generations of inherited knowledge and spiritual devotion, transform raw copper into vessels of divine representation. Each hammer stroke, each delicate engraving, is imbued with intention and reverence. This figurine is not merely an object of beauty, but a tangible connection to ancient spiritual lineages and the enduring pursuit of enlightenment. Its presence can serve as a daily reminder of the importance of cultivating compassion, empathy, and inner peace within oneself and extending it to the world around.

An Icon of Hope and Devotion

In Nepalese art, copper is often chosen for its durability and its ability to hold intricate details, lending itself to the creation of figures that are both aesthetically pleasing and spiritually resonant. The rich patina developed over time further enhances the divine aura of the sculpture. This particular depiction of Avalokiteshvara, with his relaxed yet regal posture, invites contemplation and offers a sense of tranquility to any space. It is a perfect addition to a home altar, meditation room, or as a meaningful gift for anyone who cherishes spiritual art and the profound message of compassion. Let this figure be a constant source of inspiration, a beacon of hope in a world that so often craves its gentle, unwavering presence.

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.