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.

9" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Chenerzig Idol | Nepalese Gilded Copper Statue

$441
$588
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes

Step into Chenerzig's caring embrace, which represents unlimited compassion in Tibetan Buddhism. Chenerzig is a bodhisattva, a sympathetic mentor on the arduous journey to enlightenment, with many arms outstretched in a loving embrace and an empathetic gaze. Chenerzig is a kind person, and his mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" resonates with sincere practitioners. His many limbs represent his altruistic desire to assist sentient beings, and his calm expression denotes an enduring devotion to easing pain.


Chenerzig appears as a radiant figure who encourages followers to practice selflessness and cultivate compassion. The spirit of Chenrezig permeates the spiritual terrain, providing comfort and kind direction to individuals negotiating the complex route to enlightenment and liberation.

Specifications
MIV986
COPPER GILDED WITH GOLD
Height: 9 inch
Width: 6.5 inch
Depth: 3.5 inch
Weight 1.50 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.

Embodiment of Compassion: The Thousand-Armed Chenrezig

This exquisite statue depicts Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Known in Sanskrit as Avalokiteshvara, Chenrezig embodies the boundless compassion and empathy of all Buddhas. This particular representation, crafted with meticulous detail and gilded with pure gold over copper, captures the divine essence of this beloved deity. The striking gold finish, achieved through traditional Nepalese artistry, signifies purity, wisdom, and enlightenment, illuminating the sacred form with an ethereal glow. The statue showcases Chenrezig with his characteristic serene expression and multiple arms, each held in a gesture that conveys profound wisdom and benevolent action. His primary hands are clasped in the traditional prayer or anjali mudra, symbolizing reverence and the union of wisdom and method. The arrangement of the other arms signifies his ceaseless efforts to alleviate suffering and guide all sentient beings towards liberation. Legend tells that when Chenrezig saw the vastness of suffering in the world, his head split into eleven pieces, which were then reassembled by Amitabha Buddha into the eleven-faced form we often see, each face representing a different stage of enlightenment and the capacity to perceive suffering from all angles. Though this particular depiction is not eleven-faced, the multi-armed form itself speaks to his omnipresent and all-encompassing compassion. The intricate adornments, including the elaborate crown and the detailed necklaces and bracelets, are rendered in the gilded copper, reflecting the opulence and spiritual richness of Tibetan Buddhist art. The rich maroon robes, finely sculpted and highlighted with golden accents, further enhance the visual splendor of the deity. The lotus base upon which Chenrezig is seated is a potent symbol in Buddhism, representing purity, spiritual awakening, and the unfolding of consciousness from the muddy waters of worldly attachment into the clear light of enlightenment. The meticulous craftsmanship evident in every curve and contour of this statue speaks to the devotion and skill of the Nepalese artisans who have preserved these ancient traditions for generations. This statue serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and contemplation, inviting practitioners to cultivate their own inner compassion and to connect with the universal energy of love and kindness that Chenrezig represents. It is a tangible manifestation of the Buddhist ideal of selfless service and the aspiration to help all beings achieve enlightenment. Owning such a piece is not merely decorative; it is an invitation to embrace the teachings of compassion in one's daily life, bringing a sense of peace, balance, and spiritual upliftment to any space it adorns. ––––––––––––––––––––

A Testament to Nepalese Craftsmanship

This magnificent idol is a product of generations of skilled artisans from Nepal, a region renowned for its deeply rooted Buddhist traditions and unparalleled metalworking techniques. The use of high-quality copper as the base material ensures durability and a beautiful patina that will deepen with age, while the liberal gilding with gold speaks to the sacred nature of the deity being depicted. The meticulous attention to detail, from the delicate facial features to the flowing drapery and the symbolic gestures of the hands, showcases the profound understanding and reverence the artists hold for Buddhist iconography. Each element of the statue is a testament to the spiritual artistry that blends aesthetic beauty with profound meaning.

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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image

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.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy