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15" Copper Kharchari Statue from Nepal

$1537.50
$2050
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Only 1 available

Chenrezig, also known as Kharchari, is a revered figure renowned for his profound compassion and enlightenment. Unlike seeking nirvana, he remains in the earthly realm to assist and save all living beings, exemplifying his unwavering dedication to their salvation.

 

His four arms hold significant symbols: two joined in a prayer position with a wish-fulfilling gem, signifying his multifaceted manifestations for the benefit of beings. In his other left hand, he cradles a lotus flower, symbolizing his ability to take various forms as needed to aid sentient beings. His other right-hand holds a crystal mala, which he employs to count repetitions of his mantra, emphasizing his continuous commitment to their spiritual well-being.

Specifications
MIT075
Copper with Gold Plated
Height: 15 inch
Width: 10 inch
Depth: 6 inch
Weight 5.50 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.

A Divine Embodiment of Compassion

This exquisite copper statue, a masterpiece from Nepal, depicts a serene deity with a profound aura of grace and wisdom. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the figure is adorned with rich gold plating, accentuating its divine presence and adding a celestial glow. The serene expression, with eyes cast gently downwards, invites contemplation and evokes a sense of peace. The intricate ornamentation, from the elaborate crown to the flowing robes, speaks to the deep spiritual traditions from which this artwork originates. ––––––––––––––––––

Iconography and Symbolism

The deity possesses multiple arms, a common feature in Buddhist iconography, symbolizing the boundless nature of compassion and the ability to reach out to all sentient beings. Each hand is positioned with deliberate grace, holding symbolic objects or resting in meditative gestures. The uppermost hands are folded in a respectful gesture, signifying reverence and devotion. One of the lower hands gently holds a rosary, representing the continuous cycle of prayer and mantra recitation, a practice central to spiritual discipline and enlightenment. The other lower hand carries an object that can be interpreted in various ways, often symbolizing a lotus flower, a pure blossom that rises untainted from muddy waters, representing spiritual purity and enlightenment. The flowing drapery and the seated posture on a lotus throne further enhance the divine and ethereal nature of the representation. ––––––––––––––––––

Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage

This statue is a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, a land deeply intertwined with Buddhist philosophy and practice. The use of copper, a sacred metal in many spiritual traditions, combined with the lustrous gold plating, creates a striking visual impact that is both awe-inspiring and spiritually uplifting. The detailed etching and the fine inlay of semi-precious stones, such as turquoise and red stones, add depth and vibrancy to the sculpture, reflecting the advanced metallurgical and artistic skills of the Nepalese artisans. Such pieces are not merely decorative objects but are considered sacred instruments, used for meditation, prayer, and as focal points for spiritual connection. They serve as tangible links to ancient wisdom and enduring faith, embodying the profound teachings of compassion, wisdom, and liberation. The craftsmanship ensures that this piece will be a cherished heirloom, radiating spiritual energy for generations to come.

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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