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14" Tibetan Buddhist Deity Chenrezig Copper Statue from Nepal

$1270.50
$1694
25% off
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Chenrezig, also known as Avalokitesvara, is the most venerated among Bodhisattvas, embodying the boundless compassion of all Buddhas. He is seated atop a lotus, resting on the flat crescent moon. Among his four arms, two are clasped together in a prayerful gesture, holding the wish-fulfilling gem. In his left hand, he delicately cradles a lotus blossom, while in his right, he holds a crystal mala (rosary) for counting the repetitions of his mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum."

 

His attire consists of resplendent golden silks and ornaments befitting a Bodhisattva, symbolizing his extraordinary qualities. Chenrezig radiates a subtle warm smile brimming with profound understanding, love, and boundless compassion, as his eyes gaze benevolently upon all sentient beings.

Specifications
MIS752
COPPER WITH GOLD PLATED
Height: 14 inch
Width: 10 inch
Depth: 9 inch
Weight 4 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.

The Embodiment of Compassion: A Revered Chenrezig Statue

This exquisite 14-inch statue, meticulously crafted from copper with a lustrous gold plating, captures the divine essence of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Hailing from the skilled artisans of Nepal, this masterpiece serves as a powerful focal point for devotion and meditation, radiating an aura of peace and benevolent grace. Chenrezig, known in Sanskrit as Avalokiteśvara, is one of the most revered figures in Tibetan Buddhism, embodying boundless compassion for all sentient beings. The iconography of this statue is rich with symbolic meaning. Chenrezig is depicted with eleven heads, each representing a stage of spiritual development or a facet of compassion. The principal face, rendered with serene beauty, has eyes closed in deep meditation, conveying profound inner peace. His many arms, a hallmark of this deity, signify his ability to reach out and help beings in all directions. In this particular representation, he holds a mala in his upper left hand, symbolizing the continuous cycle of prayer and the enumeration of mantras. His principal hands are clasped in *anjali mudra*, a gesture of greeting and respect, signifying unity and devotion. In his right hand, he holds a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, which blooms above his head, signifying the transcendence of worldly suffering. ––––––––––––––––––

Mythological Roots and Cultural Significance

According to legend, Chenrezig shed tears of compassion upon witnessing the suffering of beings in the world. From these tears, a beautiful lotus bloomed, and from the lotus emerged the Tara, the female counterpart to Chenrezig. The countless eyes that adorn his many forms are said to be a testament to his constant vigilance and his ability to perceive the suffering of all beings. The depiction of Chenrezig as a Bodhisattva underscores the Mahayana Buddhist ideal of achieving enlightenment not for oneself alone, but for the benefit of all. In Tibetan culture, Chenrezig is considered the patron deity, and the Dalai Lama is believed to be his earthly emanation. This statue, therefore, is not merely an object of art but a tangible link to profound spiritual traditions and a symbol of hope and solace. ––––––––––––––––––

Artistry and Divine Presence

The artistry involved in creating this Chenrezig statue is exceptional. The copper base provides a strong foundation, while the intricate gold plating imbues the deity with a divine radiance, symbolizing the illumination of wisdom and the purity of compassion. The fine details of the crown, adorned with precious stones, the delicate ornamentation of his garments, and the graceful posture all contribute to the statue's commanding presence. The serene expression, the gentle curves of his form, and the symbolic attributes held in his hands combine to create an image of profound spiritual power and aesthetic beauty. This statue is a testament to the enduring legacy of Nepalese Buddhist art, where craftsmanship and spiritual devotion are seamlessly interwoven. It is an object that invites contemplation, fosters inner peace, and serves as a constant reminder of the compassionate nature that resides within all beings.

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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