Eleven Headed Thousand Armed Avalokiteshvara

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Name: Eleven Headed Thousand Armed Avalokiteshvara
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZO90
Price: 330.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$380

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Specifications

	ZO90
	Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 14 inch
	Width: 11 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 4 kg

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Behold a stunning representation of profound compassion and limitless potential. This exquisite copper sculpture, meticulously gilded with 24 Karat gold, embodies Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, in a magnificent eleven-headed and thousand-armed form. More than just a beautiful object, this statue is a powerful reminder of the boundless capacity for kindness and understanding within each of us.

The Many Heads of Understanding

The eleven heads are not merely a physical attribute, but a symbolic representation of Avalokiteshvara's all-encompassing awareness. The different faces signify his ability to perceive the suffering of the world from every angle, understanding the diverse needs and plights of all beings. They also represent the different perspectives and levels of understanding that are required to alleviate suffering effectively. The topmost head, often depicted with a wrathful expression, symbolizes the wisdom necessary to cut through delusion and negativity, a necessary component of true compassion.

The Thousand Arms of Action

The thousand arms of Avalokiteshvara signify his ability to extend help and protection to countless beings simultaneously. Each hand, often depicted holding a different implement or making a specific mudra (ritual gesture), represents a different method or skill used to alleviate suffering. Some hands might hold healing herbs, others might offer blessings, while still others might wield weapons to ward off negative influences. This multitude of arms symbolizes the Bodhisattva's unwavering commitment to actively working towards the enlightenment and well-being of all sentient beings, a vow taken aeons ago in the face of immeasurable suffering.

The Essence of Compassion in Art

Crafted from copper, a metal revered for its durability and ability to conduct energy, and adorned with a layer of pure 24 Karat gold, this sculpture is a testament to the enduring power of faith and artistic skill. The gleaming gold finish enhances the statue's inherent radiance, creating a focal point for meditation and contemplation. Measuring 14.0 x 11.0 x 3.5 inches, this piece is perfectly sized for display on an altar, bookshelf, or any space where you seek to cultivate compassion and mindfulness. Let this magnificent representation of Avalokiteshvara serve as a constant reminder of the potential for infinite kindness within us all, and inspire you to cultivate compassion in your own life.

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.