Chenrezig (Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara)

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Name: Chenrezig (Shadakshari Avalokiteshvara)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XD13
Price: 440.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$506

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Specifications

	XD13
	Copper Sculpture
	Height: 11 inch
	Width: 7.6 inch
	Depth: 5.3 inch
	Weight 2.56 kg

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

The Bodhisattva of Compassion

This handcrafted copper sculpture portrays a powerful representation of compassion and wisdom. It is a depiction of Avalokiteshvara, a bodhisattva who embodies the boundless compassion of all Buddhas. Revered across many Buddhist traditions, Avalokiteshvara is often visualized with multiple arms to represent the myriad ways in which he reaches out to help sentient beings. The sculpture captures the essence of Avalokiteshvara's serene presence, inviting contemplation and a deepening of inner peace.

A Visual Narrative

Notice the intricate details that bring this sculpture to life. The elegant posture of the figure reflects inner harmony, while the multiple arms emphasize the bodhisattva's active role in alleviating suffering. The delicate adornments, the crown, and the detailed halo signify the bodhisattva's enlightened state. Every element is carefully crafted, showcasing the skill of the artisan and the profound spiritual significance of the representation. The seated meditative posture conveys a sense of grounding and tranquility, inviting the viewer to connect with their own inner source of compassion.

The Mantra of Compassion

Avalokiteshvara is often associated with the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum," which is considered to be the essence of all Buddhist teachings. This mantra is believed to purify negative karma and awaken compassion within oneself and others. Many believe that reciting or contemplating this mantra brings about profound transformation and liberation from suffering.

Copper's Enduring Legacy

Crafted from copper, a metal revered for its durability and beauty, this sculpture is an enduring testament to the principles of compassion. Copper, used for centuries in sacred art, also possesses a warm, inviting tone. Copper has been treasured in various cultures for its perceived healing and protective properties. This sculpture serves not only as a beautiful object of art but also as a potent symbol of compassion, a constant reminder of our shared humanity and the potential for enlightenment within us all.

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.