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15" Kharchari Copper Statue from Nepal

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$1462.50

$1950

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Chenrezig, also known as Kharchari, is envisioned in diverse forms, displaying varying numbers of faces and arms, adorned with an array of colors and ornaments.

Two of his four arms are united in a prayerful gesture, clasping the red wish-fulfilling gem. In one of his left hands, he gracefully holds a colorful lotus flower, while in the other right hand, he possesses a crystal mala (rosary) used for counting mantra repetitions. Draped in the silken attire and embellishments befitting a Bodhisattva, these symbols represent his unique attributes. The four arms symbolize his embodiment of the four immeasurable qualities: kindness, love, joy, and equanimity. Seated upon a moon disc atop a lotus pedestal, his divine presence reflects total purity.

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Specifications

	MIT085
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 15 inch
	Width: 10 inch
	Depth: 6 inch
	Weight 6 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 Enlightenment

This exquisite statue portrays a serene Bodhisattva, a being dedicated to the enlightenment of all sentient beings. Crafted in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual tradition, this piece is an embodiment of deep devotional artistry. The figure's radiant golden face, accented by serene eyes and a subtle smile, conveys an aura of profound peace and wisdom. The meticulous detailing, from the delicate folds of the garment to the intricate ornamentation, speaks to the skill of the artisan and the reverence with which the subject is treated.

A Symphony of Symbolism and Form

The Bodhisattva is depicted with multiple arms, a common representation in Buddhist iconography signifying their boundless compassion and ability to engage with the suffering of the world in numerous ways. The hands are adorned with symbolic objects. One hand holds a mala, or prayer beads, used for counting mantras and focusing the mind during meditation, symbolizing the continuous practice of the Dharma. Another hand grasps a lotus flower, a potent symbol of purity, spiritual awakening, and detachment from worldly desires. The vibrant colors adorning the statue, from the rich crimson of the cushion to the azure blue of the flowing sashes, are not merely decorative but carry significant meaning within Buddhist cosmology, representing various aspects of spiritual realization and the cosmic order. The elaborate crown and jewelry further accentuate the divine nature of the being, signifying their enlightened status and transcendence.

Nepal's Artistic Heritage

The origins of this magnificent statue in Nepal place it within a rich cultural lineage of Buddhist art. For centuries, Nepalese artisans have been renowned for their mastery in creating intricate sculptures and thangkas, often drawing inspiration from ancient texts and traditions. The techniques employed in the creation of such statues, including the casting of copper and the subsequent embellishment with gold plating and vibrant pigments, are passed down through generations, preserving a unique artistic heritage. The Kharchari, as a form of Bodhisattva representation, is imbued with the spiritual aspirations and philosophical depth of the Himalayan Buddhist tradition, offering a tangible connection to a profound spiritual path. This statue serves as a focal point for meditation, contemplation, and an artistic testament to the enduring pursuit of compassion and enlightenment.

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.