Chenrezig (Shadakshari Lokeshvara)

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Name: Chenrezig (Shadakshari Lokeshvara)
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EX38
Price: 1385.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1593

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Specifications

	EX38
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 14 inch
	Width: 11.2 inch
	Depth: 7.4 inch
	Weight 5.78 kg

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

The Bodhisattva of Compassion

Behold a magnificent representation of ultimate compassion, embodied in this stunning sculpture of Chenrezig, also known as Shadakshari Lokeshvara. This beautiful piece, meticulously crafted from copper and lavishly gilded with 24 Karat gold, stands as a potent reminder of the boundless empathy and wisdom accessible to all. Chenrezig, is revered as the embodiment of the compassion of all Buddhas. In Tibetan Buddhism, Chenrezig is deeply venerated, and is often associated with the Dalai Lamas, who are believed to be his incarnations. The mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is dedicated to Chenrezig, and is perhaps the most widely recited mantra in Tibetan Buddhism. Reciting this mantra is said to invoke the powerful blessings of Chenrezig, purifying negative karma and fostering a compassionate heart. The Dalai Lama is considered to be the living manifestation of Chenrezig, bringing peace and compassion to the world.

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Iconography and Symbolism

This particular form of Chenrezig, Shadakshari Lokeshvara, is depicted with four arms, each holding specific attributes symbolic of his enlightened qualities. The primary hands are joined in the Anjali mudra, the gesture of prayer, reflecting his inherent compassion and devotion. The second pair of hands holds a mala (prayer beads) and a lotus flower, symbolizing purification, spiritual unfolding, and the potential for enlightenment within all beings. The lotus, emerging pristine from muddy waters, represents the transformation of suffering into wisdom and compassion. The intricate detailing of this sculpture, from the ornate crown adorning his head to the delicate folds of his robes, reveals the artist's deep understanding of Buddhist iconography. The 24 Karat gold gilding enhances the sculpture's radiance, signifying the enlightened nature of Chenrezig and the transformative power of compassion.

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Craftsmanship and Aesthetic

Measuring 14.0 x 11.2 x 7.4 inches, this sculpture makes a striking addition to any meditation space, altar, or collection of sacred art. The robust copper foundation ensures durability, while the meticulous application of 24 Karat gold guarantees a lasting luminosity. The warm tones of the copper beneath the gold create a subtle depth and texture, enhancing the visual richness of the piece. The sculpture rests upon a base adorned with lotus petals, a common symbol of purity and spiritual awakening. The backpiece with its intricate details of swirling flora completes the statue. Owning this piece is not only acquiring a beautiful work of art but also embracing a connection to a rich spiritual heritage.

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.