Eleven Headed Thousand Armed Avalokiteshwara

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Name: Eleven Headed Thousand Armed Avalokiteshwara
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ZN91
Price: 550.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$633

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Specifications

	ZN91
	Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 14 inch
	Width: 11 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 2.50 kg

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

The Bodhisattva of Compassion

Within the rich tapestry of Buddhist iconography, few figures inspire as much awe and devotion as Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. His very name signifies “The Lord Who Looks Down [in compassion]," embodying the boundless empathy that strives to alleviate suffering in all realms. He is revered across many cultures, including Tibet, where he is known as Chenrezig, and is considered the patron bodhisattva. Manifesting in various forms to better reach those in need, one of his most remarkable forms is the Eleven-Headed, Thousand-Armed manifestation. This exquisite sculpture is a visual representation of Avalokiteshvara's immense capacity to perceive and respond to the cries of the world. Each head represents a different aspect of wisdom and action, allowing him to be ever-vigilant and aware of suffering. The central face is serene, radiating peace and understanding. Above it are three more faces showing happiness, and another three showing anger. Above these faces are one showing ferocious anger, and one final face on top, depicting Amitabha Buddha. Together, they embody a multifaceted awareness of the needs and emotions of all beings.

Symbolism in Form

The thousand arms extending from Avalokiteshvara’s body are not merely symbolic of power, but of his ability to act swiftly and effectively to help beings in countless ways. While the sculpture depicts fewer than a thousand arms for artistic reasons, it captures the essence of this profound concept. Each hand typically holds a different object, representing various methods of teaching, healing, and guidance. A common symbol held in one of the hands is the wish-fulfilling jewel, representing the power to grant the wishes of all who seek assistance. This intricate detail speaks to the active and engaged nature of Avalokiteshvara's compassion – it is not merely a feeling, but a force for positive change in the world. Crafted meticulously from copper and then gilded with radiant 24 Karat gold, this stunning sculpture embodies the splendor and sacredness of the divine. The gleaming surface reflects the light, creating a sense of warmth and reverence that will enhance any space. It measures 14.0 x 11.0 x 3.5 inches, and is an ideal size for display in a home shrine, meditation room, or as a centerpiece in a collection of sacred art. This representation of the Eleven-Headed, Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara is more than just an object of beauty; it is a powerful reminder of the potential for compassion that resides within each of us. Invite the spirit of compassion and unwavering dedication to the well-being of all beings into your life with this extraordinary sculpture. It is a timeless symbol of hope and a beacon of light in a world that often feels dark.

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.