13" Buddhist Deity Kharchari Copper Sculpture | Statue from Nepal

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13" Buddhist Deity Kharchari Copper Sculpture | Statue from Nepal

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$876.75

$1169

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Kharchari stands as the essence of enlightenment. His choice to remain within earthly realms, forgoing the blissful nirvana, showcases his boundless compassion. Seated atop a lotus and the moon's disc, his form exudes purity and serenity, with a second moon disk echoing his transcendence. His four arms carry symbolic weight - two clasped in a gesture of prayer, bearing a wish-fulfilling gem, while another cradles a delicate lotus.

The remaining arm holds a crystal mala, used to count the repetitions of the transformative mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum," liberating beings from suffering's chains. Draped in the regal attire of a Bodhisattva, an antelope's skin drapes over his shoulder, emblematic of his commitment to non-violence. Kharchari's compassionate gaze reflects profound understanding and love, while his smile radiates a mission dedicated to alleviating the suffering of all sentient beings.

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Specifications

	CAA199
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 13 inch
	Width: 9 inch
	Depth: 6.5 inch
	Weight 4 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.

Embodiment of Compassion and Wisdom

This exquisite sculpture captures the serene countenance of Kharchari, a revered Buddhist deity, in a posture of profound devotion and wisdom. Crafted from copper and adorned with a luminous gold finish, this artwork is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, a land where spirituality and artistry intertwine seamlessly. Kharchari, often associated with the Bodhisattva lineage, embodies the ideal of compassionate action, dedicating her existence to alleviating the suffering of all sentient beings. Her multifaceted presence, with multiple arms and crowns, symbolizes her boundless capacity to bestow blessings and guidance across various planes of existence.

Symbolism and Iconography

The iconography of Kharchari is replete with symbolic meaning. Her serene gaze and gentle smile reflect her enlightened nature and her unwavering dedication to the path of awakening. The placement of her hands in the *anjali mudra* (prayer gesture) signifies reverence and the harmonious union of intention and action. In her other hands, she holds significant emblems. One hand may be depicted holding a lotus, symbolizing purity and spiritual unfolding, or other implements that represent her specific attributes and powers. The intricate details of her adornments, from the ornate crowns to the delicate jewelry, speak to her regal status as a celestial being and the boundless merits she has accumulated through countless lifetimes of selfless service. Each element is meticulously rendered, reflecting the profound understanding and skill of the artisans who brought this divine form to life.

A Timeless Masterpiece

This captivating statue is not merely an object of beauty but a conduit for spiritual contemplation. The use of copper as the base material, a metal often associated with the divine and the transmission of energy, further enhances its sacred quality. The application of gold not only bestows a radiant glow but also signifies ultimate purity and enlightenment. Such sculptures are traditionally created in Nepalese workshops where the ancient techniques of metal casting and embellishment are passed down through generations. Owning this Kharchari sculpture is to possess a piece of living tradition, a tangible connection to the spiritual heart of the Himalayas and a reminder of the enduring power of compassion and wisdom in the world. It is an artifact that invites introspection and inspires a deeper connection to the spiritual journey.

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.