12" Kharchari Statue from Nepal | Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

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12" Kharchari Statue from Nepal | Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara

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Emanating a divine gentleness, Kharchari is another form of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Kharchari is captured in a seated position with a four-armed form that enlightens this statue from Nepal. The Kharchari Statue infused with copper and gold is iconographically white, having a rosary making the symbol of infinity in the right hand and a full-blown lotus in the left hand. The other two principal hands are in a namaskar mudra (salutation pose) holding Chintamani or the wish-fulfilling jewel, symbolizing knowledge. The divine energy of the Kharchari God in your home can enchant prosperity, protection, and spiritual harmony in the household.

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Specifications

	CAA029
	Copper with Gold and Pigment
	Height: 12.5 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 4.5 inch
	Weight 2.70 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Usually ships in 6 days
	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

A Manifestation of Boundless Compassion

This exquisite statue captures the divine presence of Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, revered as the embodiment of compassion. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition, this artwork is more than just an object of devotion; it is a tangible representation of enlightened benevolence. Avalokiteshvara, whose name translates to "Lord Who Looks Down," is believed to hear the cries of all sentient beings and offer solace and guidance. In various mythologies, he is depicted with multiple arms and heads, symbolizing his omnipresence and the vastness of his compassion. This particular representation showcases a serene yet powerful visage, adorned with an elaborate crown that signifies his spiritual sovereignty. ––––––––––

Artistry and Symbolism

The statue is meticulously fashioned from copper, a material often associated with the divine and the channeling of spiritual energy. It is then adorned with vibrant pigments and resplendent gold leaf, a technique that elevates the deity's aura and imbues the artwork with a luminous quality. The golden hue of the face and body speaks to purity and enlightenment, while the carefully applied colors on the garments and ornamentation add depth and narrative. Each element is deliberately chosen, from the gentle gesture of the hands, perhaps holding symbolic objects like the lotus flower (representing purity and spiritual awakening) or forming mudras (sacred hand gestures), to the flowing robes that suggest divine movement. The intricate detailing, from the delicate facial features to the ornate base, reflects the skill of Nepalese artisans and their deep understanding of Buddhist iconography. ––––––––––

Embodiment of Devotion

Avalokiteshvara is a figure of immense comfort and hope. He is the patron saint of Tibet and is invoked by millions worldwide seeking protection, healing, and wisdom. The story of his vow to liberate all beings from suffering before entering Nirvana is a testament to his unwavering commitment. In Buddhist art, he is often depicted in his many forms, each reflecting a specific aspect of his compassionate activity. This statue, with its serene posture and multi-armed depiction, invites contemplation and prayer. It serves as a focal point for meditation, encouraging the practitioner to cultivate their own compassion and connect with the universal energy of kindness. Owning such a statue is not merely acquiring a decorative piece; it is inviting a powerful spiritual presence into one's life and home, a constant reminder of the path towards enlightenment and the boundless love that pervades the universe.

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.