Padmapani Avalokiteshvara

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Name: Padmapani Avalokiteshvara
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: XE51
Price: 330.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$380

Includes any tariffs and taxes

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Specifications

	XE51
	Copper Sculpture
	Height: 10.5 inch
	Width: 3.5 inch
	Depth: 3.6 inch
	Weight 1.54 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
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Fully Insured

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100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Embodiment of Compassion

This exquisite copper sculpture embodies Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Revered across cultures, Avalokiteshvara represents the embodiment of boundless empathy and the unwavering commitment to alleviate the suffering of all beings. Through countless incarnations, he vowed to postpone his own enlightenment until every sentient being is liberated from pain. This devotion is captured in the serene expression and graceful pose of this statue, inviting a sense of peace and contemplation into your space. The artist’s skillful rendering in copper brings forth the refined details of the deity's form. The flowing garments, the intricate jewelry, and the gentle curve of the limbs all contribute to a sense of divine beauty and serenity. This is not simply an object, but a visual manifestation of compassion and wisdom that is sure to inspire reflection and inner peace.

Symbolism in Form

Every aspect of this sculpture is imbued with symbolic meaning. The 'varada mudra' hand gesture of giving symbolizes generosity and the fulfillment of all wishes, conveying the Bodhisattva's willingness to provide succor and support. The lotus flower, often depicted alongside Avalokiteshvara, represents purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening, rising from the murky waters of worldly suffering. This imagery is a powerful reminder of the potential for transcendence and the inherent goodness within all beings. The elaborate crown adorning the head signifies the Bodhisattva's advanced spiritual state and mastery of the path to enlightenment. The inclusion of semi-precious stones adds depth and luster to the sculpture, and they further highlight the precious nature of compassion and wisdom. The statue stands on a base which replicates the lotus flower, creating visual unity. The artist's profound understanding of Buddhist iconography and his dedication to his craft are clearly evident in this finely detailed sculpture. Adding this meaningful piece to your home can act as a reminder to nurture compassion within yourselves.

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.