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.

13" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Chenrezig Copper Statue from Nepal

$454.50
$606
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

Avalokiteshvara, also known as Chenrezig, embodies the compassion of all Buddhas. He vowed to purify the negative karma of all beings and enable them to collect extensive merits.

 

His two front hands are joined in devotion, symbolizing his compassionate heart. In his upper right hand, he holds a crystal akshamala, signifying the endless cycle of existence. His left hand cradles a lotus, offering salvation from suffering to enlightenment. Draped in rich golden silks, seated in the Sukhasana,(straight pose), and resting on lotus petals, Avalokiteshvara represents boundless compassion and grace.

Specifications
MIS723
COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED
Height: 13 inch
Width: 10 inch
Depth: 4.5 inch
Weight 3.30 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.

Embodying Infinite Compassion: The Chenrezig Statue

This exquisite statue portrays Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, a revered figure in Tibetan Buddhism. Known in Sanskrit as Avalokiteśvara, Chenrezig embodies the boundless compassion of all Buddhas. Legend tells that when Chenrezig saw the suffering of beings in samsara, his tears flowed, and from one tear, the Green Tara was born, offering solace and aid. This representation captures the serene and benevolent essence of this celestial being, inviting peace and mindfulness into any space.

Artistry and Symbolism in Copper and Gold

Crafted from copper and adorned with a rich gold plating, this statue is a testament to the skilled artistry of Nepalese artisans. The copper serves as a robust and auspicious base, while the intricate gold plating bestows upon the deity a divine radiance. Chenrezig is depicted with eleven heads, symbolizing the wisdom of all Buddhas, though this particular rendition showcases the primary head and serene countenance. His multitude of arms, often depicted as a thousand, represent his omnipresent ability to respond to the pleas of all sentient beings. The main hands are pressed together in *añjali mudra*, a gesture of prayer and reverence, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel. The other hands hold symbolic objects, each carrying profound meaning related to wisdom, skill, and the path to enlightenment.

A Vision of Serenity and Enlightenment

The posture of the statue is seated in the lotus position (*padmasana*), signifying spiritual discipline and mastery over the mind. The elaborate crown and adornments speak to his exalted status and the wealth of spiritual merit he possesses. The rich, earthy tones of the body are beautifully contrasted with the shimmering gold of his ornaments and robes, creating a visually captivating and spiritually uplifting presence. The lotus seat itself is a powerful symbol in Buddhism, representing purity and the unfolding of enlightenment, even amidst the mud of worldly existence. This statue is more than just a decorative object; it is a focal point for meditation, a reminder of the ever-present power of compassion, and a conduit for transmitting blessings and good fortune. Its presence is believed to purify negative energies and foster a harmonious atmosphere.

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.
Image
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.
Image
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.
Image

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.
Image
Add a review
Have A Question
By continuing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy