9" Bodhisattva Chenrezig Idol from Nepal | Copper Nepalese Statute

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9" Bodhisattva Chenrezig Idol from Nepal | Copper Nepalese Statute

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$660.75

$881

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Glowing and smiling inwardly, the deity in this copper Nepalese statute is Bodhisattva Chenrezig or Avalokiteshwara, the supreme revered being in Vajrayana Buddhism, as an embodiment of pure compassion. The icon represents the traditional iconography of Chenrezig, seated on a lotus seat, with his primary hands joined in front of his chest, holding the Chintamani or the wish-fulfilling jewel. His secondary hands carry a rosary and lotus flower.

A divine youthful quality permeates the statue, giving Chenrezig a beautiful aura, amplified by the delicate ornaments that adorn him and the soft silk garments that sway on each side of the statute. The immaculate sculpting of the statute gives it an aesthetic quality, a balance of serenity and liveliness, which is a classic feature of Nepealse masterpieces.

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Specifications

	WSA029
	Copper
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 3.5 inch
	Depth: 8 inch
	Weight 1.08 kg

Delivery and Return Policies

	Ships in 1-3 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.

Embodying Compassion: The Bodhisattva Chenrezig

This exquisite copper statue from Nepal captures the divine essence of Bodhisattva Chenrezig, also known as Avalokiteshvara. Revered as the embodiment of all Buddhas' compassion, Chenrezig is a pivotal figure in Tibetan Buddhism, a beacon of loving-kindness who vows to liberate all sentient beings from suffering. The serene posture and benevolent gaze of this idol invite contemplation and inspire devotion, making it a powerful focal point for meditation or a sacred addition to your altar. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the rich copper hue of the statue lends it an aura of antiquity and spiritual significance. Chenrezig is depicted here in his most common form, with eleven faces and four arms, symbolizing his vast compassion and wisdom that extends in all directions. The two principal hands are pressed together in the anjali mudra, a gesture of prayer and reverence, signifying his deep respect for all beings. The upper right hand holds a mala, representing his continuous practice of recitation and contemplation, while the upper left hand cradles a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment blooming from the mud of samsara.

A Sacred Icon of Nepal

The artistic traditions of Nepal have long been intertwined with the profound philosophy of Buddhism. For centuries, Nepalese artisans have perfected the art of creating statues that not only represent deities but also embody their spiritual qualities. This Chenrezig idol is a testament to that rich heritage. The intricate carvings adorning his robes, crown, and the base reflect the skill and dedication of the craftspeople who brought this divine form to life. The lotus pedestal, a universal symbol of purity and spiritual awakening, elevates the deity, signifying his transcendence over worldly attachments. In Buddhist lore, Chenrezig is said to have shed a tear out of empathy for the suffering of beings, and from that tear, Tara, the female Bodhisattva, emerged. His presence is believed to offer protection from fear, to grant blessings, and to guide practitioners towards the path of enlightenment. To gaze upon this statue is to connect with that boundless compassion, to feel a sense of peace, and to be reminded of the potential for awakening that resides within each of us.

A Timeless Work of Devotion

This 9-inch copper statue is more than just a decorative item; it is a vessel of spiritual energy and a conduit for divine grace. Its substantial weight and the lustrous finish of the copper speak to its quality and durability, ensuring it will be a cherished companion on your spiritual journey for years to come. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner of Buddhism or simply drawn to the profound symbolism of compassion and enlightenment, this Chenrezig idol offers a tangible connection to these timeless values. Its presence can transform any space into a sanctuary of peace and mindfulness, encouraging introspection and fostering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.

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.