Four Armed Avalokiteshvara

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Name: Four Armed Avalokiteshvara
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EN62
Price: 220.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$253

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	EN62
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 8.6 inch
	Width: 6 inch
	Depth: 3.3 inch
	Weight 1.90 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

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A Manifestation of Compassion

Behold a striking depiction of divine compassion, brought to life in a meticulously crafted statue. This representation, measuring 8.6 x 6.0 x 3.3 inches, captures the essence of a Bodhisattva whose very name echoes with the promise of boundless empathy and aid to all sentient beings. Every detail, from the serene expression to the elegant mudras, speaks to the profound qualities embodied by this revered figure. ###

Craftsmanship and Materials

This sublime piece is crafted from copper, a metal traditionally associated with spirituality and healing, and then lavishly gilded with 24 Karat gold. The use of pure gold is not merely for aesthetic appeal; it symbolizes purity, transformation, and the ultimate refinement of the spirit. The combination of copper and gold creates a visual testament to the inherent preciousness of compassion and the potential for spiritual enlightenment within each of us.

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Avalokiteshvara: The Lord Who Looks Down in Compassion

Avalokiteshvara, a name meaning "Lord Who Looks Down," is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. He is the embodiment of compassion, vowing to postpone his own enlightenment until all beings are freed from suffering. This compassionate vow is perhaps best captured in the tale of his origin. It is said that after observing the overwhelming suffering in the world, Avalokiteshvara's head split into eleven pieces out of despair. Amitabha Buddha, witnessing his devotee's anguish, reassembled the pieces into eleven heads, granting him the ability to hear the cries of the suffering from all directions. To further aid him, Amitabha also gave him a thousand arms, each equipped with an eye to see and assist beings in need. This four-armed representation is a particularly significant depiction of Avalokiteshvara. The four arms symbolize his ability to act compassionately in all directions and on all levels. The hands often hold specific implements or perform particular mudras, each with its own symbolic meaning. While specific symbolism varies across traditions, the overall message remains consistent: Avalokiteshvara is ready and able to provide aid and guidance to those who call upon him. ###

The Mudra of Reverence and the Lotus of Purity

Notice the hands held together at the heart in Anjali mudra, expressing reverence, devotion, and the unity of the self. This gesture is a reminder that compassion begins within, with the recognition of our own inherent Buddha-nature. The lotus flower, sometimes held in one of the hands of Avalokiteshvara, represents purity of body, speech, and mind, blooming pristine from muddy waters. It is a powerful symbol of spiritual growth and the potential for transformation even amidst suffering. This statue serves as a constant reminder of the power of compassion and the potential for enlightenment within us all. It is not simply an object of beauty, but a source of inspiration and a tangible representation of the Bodhisattva's promise to alleviate the suffering of the world. As you gaze upon this serene image, may you be reminded of the interconnectedness of all beings and inspired 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.