9" Buddhist Deity Kharchari Copper Statue from Nepal | Authentic Nepalese Sculpture

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9" Buddhist Deity Kharchari Copper Statue from Nepal | Authentic Nepalese Sculpture

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$825

$1100

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In a poignant Buddhist narrative, Kharchari, driven by boundless compassion, makes an unwavering vow to liberate all sentient beings from the cyclic suffering of samsara. Despite his resolute dedication, the magnitude of his task overwhelms him. His two front hands tenderly form a devotional gesture, placed before his heart adorned with resplendent jewels.

Among his array of hands, his upper right-hand holds a special emblem: a crystal akshamala or rosary, an emblem of the ceaseless cycle of existence. Simultaneously, his left-hand holds a pure white lotus, symbolic of his mission to emancipate sentient beings from the mire of suffering and the depths of hellish realms, guiding them towards the pristine realm of enlightenment.

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Specifications

	CAA181
	Copper with Pigment
	Height: 9.5 inch
	Width: 6 inch
	Depth: 4.5 inch
	Weight 2 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.

Embodied Compassion: A Nepalese Masterpiece

This exquisite copper statue, a testament to the rich artistic heritage of Nepal, depicts the benevolent deity Kharchari. Standing at an impressive nine inches tall, this sculpture is more than just an object of art; it is a conduit to profound spiritual contemplation, capturing the essence of compassion and enlightenment that defines Buddhist philosophy. The intricate craftsmanship and vibrant pigments breathe life into this sacred representation, inviting viewers to connect with its divine energy. Kharchari, a manifestation of compassion, is often revered as a Bodhisattva, one who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to aid humanity. This statue embodies that selfless dedication, with serene features and multiple arms suggesting the boundless ability to offer solace and guidance. The central hands are clasped in prayer, a gesture of devotion and reverence. The arrangement of the other hands, some holding symbolic objects like the lotus flower, further deepens the iconographic narrative. The lotus, in Buddhist tradition, symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and spiritual awakening, its petals unfolding from the muddy waters of existence to reach towards the divine light. ––––––––––––––––––––

A Symphony of Color and Form

The artistry of this Nepalese sculpture is truly remarkable. Crafted from high-quality copper, the base material provides a sturdy yet elegant foundation for the meticulously applied pigments. The body of Kharchari is rendered in a luminous white, signifying purity and spiritual clarity. This pristine canvas is adorned with a cascade of vibrant colors, each chosen for its symbolic significance. The headdress, a complex arrangement of ornate designs, bursts with hues of blue, red, and gold, hinting at the celestial realm from which this deity presides. The jewelry, including necklaces and armbands, are intricately detailed with pops of crimson, turquoise, and sapphire, adding a regal and divine aura. The lower garments are painted in rich blues and reds, grounding the celestial figure in earthly beauty. The base itself is a masterpiece, a multi-layered pedestal adorned with intricate patterns and a vibrant spectrum of colors, mimicking the grandeur of a sacred altar. The silver-like finish on the ornamental elements provides a striking contrast to the painted surfaces, enhancing the overall visual appeal and depth of the sculpture. ––––––––––––––––––––

Echoes of Ancient Traditions

Each detail of this statue whispers tales of ancient Buddhist traditions that have flourished in Nepal for centuries. The Nepalese school of Buddhist art is renowned for its unique blend of Indian and Tibetan influences, characterized by its vibrant colors, intricate ornamentation, and expressive iconography. The practice of creating such sacred imagery dates back to the early centuries CE, serving as a vital tool for meditation, devotion, and the transmission of spiritual knowledge. This particular depiction of Kharchari, with its multiple arms and serene countenance, aligns with the rich lineage of compassionate deities in the Mahayana Buddhist pantheon. Its creation in Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual history and often referred to as the birthplace of Buddha, imbues it with an authentic resonance. Owning such a piece is akin to holding a tangible connection to the timeless wisdom and profound spiritual practices that have shaped countless lives across generations. It is an invitation to explore the path of compassion, mindfulness, and inner peace, embodied in a form of enduring beauty.

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.