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Superfine Tibetan Buddhist Deity Four Armed Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) Made in Nepal

$1650
$2200
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEM713
Copper Sculpture gilded with 24 Karat Gold
Height: 14.7 inch
Width: 6.2 inch
Depth: 12.3 inch
Weight 4 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
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.

The Embodiment of Compassion

Gaze upon this magnificent representation of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, also known as Chenrezig in Tibetan. This exquisite copper sculpture, lavishly gilded with 24-karat gold, is a testament to the skill and devotion of Nepalese artisans. Avalokiteshvara is the embodiment of boundless compassion, the one who hears the cries of the world. His form, with four arms, signifies his ability to reach out to all beings in all directions simultaneously. The primary two hands are clasped in the gesture of prayer, representing his profound reverence and dedication.

Divine Symbolism and Artistic Mastery

In his upper right hand, Avalokiteshvara holds a wish-fulfilling jewel, symbolizing his power to grant blessings and remove suffering. His upper left hand grasps a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, blooming unstained by the muddy waters of worldly existence. The intricate details of his crown, adorned with precious gems and delicate ornamentation, speak of his divine wisdom and royal lineage as a Bodhisattva. The cascading gold robes, etched with patterns, evoke a sense of regality and spiritual grace. The elaborate, multi-hued aureole behind him, with its swirling patterns and vibrant colors, represents the cosmic light and the boundless energy of compassion that emanates from him.

A Beacon of Hope and Spiritual Practice

Avalokiteshvara is central to Mahayana Buddhism, revered as a protector and guide. Legends tell that he vowed to suspend his own enlightenment until all sentient beings were liberated from suffering. Seeing the vastness of suffering in the world, his head is said to have split into a thousand pieces, and Amitabha Buddha transformed them into a thousand eyes to see all beings and a thousand hands to help them. This four-armed form is a particularly popular manifestation, allowing for direct and immediate assistance. This statue serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and prayer, inviting practitioners to connect with the energy of compassion and to cultivate similar qualities within themselves.

Craftsmanship from the Roof of the World

Handcrafted in Nepal, a land steeped in centuries of Buddhist tradition and artistic heritage, this statue embodies the spirit of devotion and meticulous artistry. The use of pure copper as the base material ensures its durability and longevity, while the generous application of 24-karat gold imbues it with a radiant and divine aura. Each detail, from the serene expression on Avalokiteshvara's face to the delicate folds of his garments and the intricate patterns on his base, has been rendered with exceptional care and precision. This piece is not merely an object of art but a sacred artifact, designed to inspire peace, wisdom, and unwavering compassion in any space it graces.

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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