Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshvara

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Name: Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshvara
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: ED96
Price: 880.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$1012

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Specifications

	ED96
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 14.5 inch
	Width: 11.2 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 2.50 kg

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

An Embodiment of Compassion

Behold the magnificence of Avalokiteshvara, meticulously crafted in copper and lavishly gilded with 24-karat gold. This exquisite sculpture embodies the profound compassion of the bodhisattva, a figure revered across many Buddhist traditions as the embodiment of boundless mercy. The countless arms radiating outward from Avalokiteshvara’s form symbolize his unwavering dedication to alleviating the suffering of all beings. Each hand, often depicted holding symbolic objects, represents the bodhisattva’s ability to employ skillful means to guide sentient beings toward enlightenment. His multiple heads signify the wisdom and vision required to perceive the diverse needs of those seeking solace. The radiant gold finish amplifies the sculpture's spiritual significance, reflecting Avalokiteshvara's luminous presence and illuminating the path to enlightenment for devotees. Display this inspiring work of art within your home or meditation space as a constant reminder of compassion, wisdom, and the potential for inner peace. The sculpture's intricate detailing, from the delicate facial features to the elaborate ornamentation, speaks volumes about the artistic dedication and spiritual depth that went into its creation.

The Legend of Avalokiteshvara

According to legend, Avalokiteshvara vowed to postpone his own enlightenment until he had helped every sentient being achieve liberation from suffering. Gazing upon the world and witnessing the endless cycle of pain and sorrow, his head shattered into eleven pieces out of despair. Amitabha Buddha, witnessing this sorrow, transformed the fragments into eleven compassionate faces, allowing Avalokiteshvara to perceive and respond to the suffering of the world with even greater clarity. Realizing the need for even more effective means to help others, Avalokiteshvara wished for countless arms to extend his reach to those in need. His wish was granted, and he manifested with a thousand arms, each equipped with an eye to see the suffering of the world. This form, known as Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshvara, represents the bodhisattva's boundless capacity for compassion and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of all. This depiction serves as a powerful reminder of the potential for boundless compassion within each of us and inspires us to cultivate empathy and kindness in our own lives.

Materials and Dimensions

This stunning sculpture measures 14.5 x 11.2 x 4.0 inches, making it a striking centerpiece for any space. The copper base ensures lasting durability while the 24-karat gold gilding provides a timeless elegance and luster that will endure for generations. The piece is not only a work of art but also a spiritual object that can serve as a focal point for meditation and reflection.

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.