Chenrezig or
Avalokiteshvara in Buddhism is the pinnacle of the virtue of compassion. As the
protector of all beings, Chenrezig eternally resides in the human realm,
guiding beings across the stream of existence. This benevolence of Chenrezig is
remembered by his devotees in the six-syllabled mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”, the
most popular chant of Vajrayana Buddhism. Reciting the mantra repeatedly, the
devotee evokes the presence of Chenrezig in their heart, envisioning him as
Shadakshari, or the lord of the six syllabled mantras, in a form that has been
represented in this gilded copper statute.
Chenrezig sits on a
lotus throne, with his main hands placed in front of his heart, holding the
Chintamani, and his secondary hands holding the rosary and lotus with the book.
The statue is beautifully studded with blue and red gemstones that amplify the
divine allure of Chenrezig. With a youthful glow on his countenance and
liveliness in his gentle eyes, Chenrezig infuses the composition with his
blissful presence.
Embodiment of Compassion: The Golden Chenrezig
This exquisite idol captures the divine presence of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, as revered in Tibetan Buddhism. Crafted with profound artistry in Nepal, this statue is a radiant testament to the enduring power of mercy and kindness. Chenrezig, known also as Avalokiteshvara, is a figure of immense spiritual significance, whose name translates to "Lord who looks down with an unblinking gaze." According to legend, he vowed to liberate all sentient beings from suffering, and his compassion is said to be so vast that it encompasses all of existence. When he contemplated the immensity of this task, his head burst into a thousand pieces, and Amitabha Buddha, his spiritual father, reformed them into eleven faces, each representing a different aspect of compassion, and a thousand hands, each with an eye in the palm, to reach out and help all beings.
A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship
Forged from high-quality copper and meticulously gilded with pure gold, this statue emanates a celestial glow. The intricate detailing, from the serene expression on Chenrezig's face to the delicate folds of his robes, speaks of generations of skill passed down by Nepalese artisans. The use of gold is not merely for aesthetic beauty; it symbolizes purity, divinity, and the ultimate illumination of enlightenment. The carefully placed turquoise and coral embellishments add vibrant accents, evoking the preciousness of spiritual treasures and the earth's bounty, often associated with the deities' adornments. The lotus base upon which Chenrezig sits is a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, as the lotus grows unstained from the muddy depths.
A Beacon of Serenity and Protection
The posture of the idol, with its hands joined in prayer and holding symbolic objects, conveys a sense of profound peace and spiritual devotion. In one hand, Chenrezig holds a lotus, representing purity and enlightenment, while the other gestures in a teaching or blessing mudra. The multifaceted crown and flowing hair further adorn this divine manifestation, signifying wisdom and boundless awareness. To welcome this statue into your home is to invite a powerful presence of unconditional love and protection. It serves as a constant reminder to cultivate compassion in your own life, to alleviate suffering where you can, and to seek inner peace. Whether placed in a personal meditation space, a home altar, or as a statement piece of spiritual art, this Chenrezig idol offers a tangible connection to the profound spiritual traditions of the Himalayas.
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.
