Four Armed Avalokiteshvara

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Name: Four Armed Avalokiteshvara
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EN77
Price: 285.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$328

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	EN77
	Copper Sculpture
	Height: 13 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 5.5 inch
	Weight 4.40 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Vessel of Compassion

Encounter the profound embodiment of compassion with this meticulously crafted copper sculpture. This representation captures the essence of a Bodhisattva, a being who has achieved enlightenment but postpones Nirvana to assist others on their path to liberation. The rich, antiqued finish of the copper lends a sense of timeless wisdom to this sacred form. Its presence exudes serenity, offering a powerful focal point for meditation and contemplation.

The Embodiment of Boundless Empathy

This form depicts a significant aspect of Avalokiteśvara, revered as a manifestation of the Buddha Amitabha's infinite compassion. He (or she, depending on the cultural interpretation) embodies the desire to alleviate the suffering of all beings. The four arms are not merely decorative; they represent the Bodhisattva's ability to reach out and help beings across the four corners of the world, encompassing the entirety of existence. Each hand performs a specific mudra, a symbolic gesture of profound meaning. One pair of hands is held in the *anjali mudra* at the heart center, a gesture of prayer, respect, and devotion. The other pair, holds a mala and a lotus. The mala represents the cycle of recitations and the path to enlightenment, while the lotus symbolizes purity, awakening, and spiritual unfolding. The lotus rises above the muddy waters, much like the enlightened mind rises above the illusions of samsara.

Mythological Significance

Legends surrounding Avalokiteśvara are varied and rich. According to one tale, Avalokiteśvara was so moved by the suffering of the world that his head split into eleven pieces. Amitabha Buddha, witnessing his devotion, transformed these pieces into eleven heads, allowing him to perceive the cries of beings in all directions. Another story tells of Avalokiteśvara vowing to liberate all beings from suffering. When he looked upon the world, he saw countless beings still trapped in their cycles of pain, causing him to weep. From his tears sprang forth the goddess Tara, the embodiment of compassion in action. This statue serves not only as a beautiful piece of art but also as a reminder of these powerful narratives and the unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering.

Craftsmanship and Detail

Every aspect of this sculpture is carefully considered, from the intricately detailed crown adorning the head to the serene expression on the face. The flowing robes and detailed ornaments showcase the skill of the artisan. Seated in the lotus position, atop an ornately carved lotus throne, the Bodhisattva emanates peace and stability. Placed in your home, meditation space, or office, this copper sculpture is a constant reminder of the potential for compassion and enlightenment that resides within each of us.

Dimensions:

13.0 x 9.0 x 5.5 inch

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.