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Superfine Four Armed Avalokiteshvara Gilded Copper Nepalese Statue

$7223.25
$9631
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Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

In this awe-inspiring depiction of Avalokiteshvara in Nepalese idiom, the all-powerful Bodhisattva appears to be gazing at humans with paternal affection, from his heavenly abode. The clouds as symmetrical curving patterns interspersed with the auspicious conch form his halo, which is attached to his exquisite lotus throne, patterned with flowing vines. A golden crown, ornaments, gazelle skin, and silver brocaded dhoti adorns Avalokiteshvara. His delicate scarf forms gentle waves on each side, adding a brilliant dynamism to this metal composition. 

Specifications
MIT022
Copper with Gold Plated
Height: 46 inch
Width: 31 inch
Depth: 22 inch
Weight 63.60 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
Usually ships in 6 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Compassion and Wisdom

This magnificent statue captures the serene and benevolent essence of Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Revered across Mahayana Buddhism, Avalokiteshvara is the personification of mercy and is believed to hear the cries of all sentient beings, offering solace and guidance. The four arms symbolize his boundless capacity to engage with the world and alleviate suffering in all directions. In Buddhist lore, Avalokiteshvara once vowed not to attain Buddhahood until all beings were liberated from suffering. His gentle gaze and compassionate posture reflect this profound dedication to universal welfare. ––––––––––––––––––––

Masterful Nepalese Artistry

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail by skilled Nepalese artisans, this statue is a testament to centuries of artistic tradition. The core material, copper, provides a robust and durable foundation, expertly worked to bring forth the divine form. The entire piece is then adorned with a rich gilding of gold, imparting an aura of celestial radiance and spiritual significance. This opulent finish is not merely decorative; it signifies purity, enlightenment, and the luminous nature of the Bodhisattva’s compassion. The intricate details, from the delicate folds of the garments to the serene facial features, are rendered with exceptional precision, showcasing the profound artistic heritage of Nepal. ––––––––––––––––––––

Symbolism in Every Detail

Each element of this statue is imbued with deep symbolic meaning. The primary hands are held in the Anjali Mudra, a gesture of prayer and respect, signifying the harmonious union of wisdom and compassion. The upper right hand holds a mala, the Buddhist rosary, representing the continuous practice of meditation and the unfolding of spiritual awareness. The upper left hand grasps a lotus flower, a potent symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and the blossoming of enlightenment amidst the world's impurities. The serene expression on the face, with its calm and inward-looking gaze, invites contemplation and evokes a sense of profound peace. The elaborate aureole behind the deity, a symphony of intricate patterns and vibrant colors, further enhances the divine presence and the emanating energy of compassion. This statue serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and a beautiful reminder of the path towards inner peace and universal empathy.

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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