Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara

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Name: Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: EN83
Price: 240.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$207

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Specifications

	EN83
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 8.6 inch
	Width: 6.1 inch
	Depth: 3.5 inch
	Weight 1.70 kg

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Enter the serene realm of compassion with this exquisite representation, crafted from copper and adorned with a radiant layer of 24 Karat gold. This statue is more than a mere object; it's an invitation to embrace the boundless empathy and wisdom embodied by a revered figure.

A Beacon of Compassion

In Buddhist traditions, Avalokiteshvara is revered as the embodiment of compassion of all Buddhas. The name itself is rich with meaning: "Avalokita" meaning "one who looks down" and "ishvara" signifying "lord." Avalokiteshvara is thus understood as the Lord Who Looks Down, witnessing the suffering of the world and actively working to alleviate it. This deity is not bound by gender, and is often depicted in both male and female forms, each expressing the same profound compassion. Many stories and myths surround Avalokiteshvara's origins. Some accounts narrate that Avalokiteshvara emerged from a ray of light emitted by Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. In another tale, it is said that Avalokiteshvara was a bodhisattva who vowed not to enter Nirvana until all beings were liberated from suffering. Legend tells of tears shed out of sorrow for the world's pain, which fell to the earth and sprouted into lotus flowers, each transforming into a Tara, the female embodiment of compassion. These diverse narratives all converge on a central theme: the unwavering dedication to alleviating the suffering of all beings.

Artistry in Detail

This statue captures the essence of Avalokiteshvara in a tangible form. Each hand is carefully positioned, laden with symbolism that speaks directly to the devotee. The two hands in front are in prayer position. One of the other hands holds a mala bead for recitation of mantras. The other holds a lotus flower. The serene facial expression, framed by intricate headdress and adornments, evokes a sense of profound peace. The statue, measuring 8.6 x 6.1 x 3.5 inches, is a perfect addition to any space – a reminder of the inherent potential for compassion within each of us. The shimmering gold finish further enhances the statue's aura, reflecting light and creating a captivating focal point.

Elevate Your Space, Cultivate Your Spirit

More than just a decorative piece, this statue can serve as a powerful aid in meditation and contemplation, encouraging a deeper connection to inner peace and a more compassionate outlook on the world. Place it in your meditation room, living space, or office as a constant reminder of the noble qualities we all aspire to embody: loving-kindness, compassion, joy, and equanimity. Let it be a symbol of your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others and a source of inspiration on your spiritual journey.

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.