9" Chenrezig (Avalokiteshara) Idol | Nepalese Copper Statue

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9" Chenrezig (Avalokiteshara) Idol | Nepalese Copper Statue

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$558

$744

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Chenrezig, one of the "Eight Great Bodhisattvas" in Buddhist tradition, is often depicted in a seated posture known as lalitasana. In this pose, both legs are folded in. This posture conveys a sense of regal relaxation.

Avalokiteshvara holds a special place among Bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. These Bodhisattvas are seen as embodiments of the awakened mind, known as bodhicitta, dedicated to fulfilling the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Chenrezig's depiction with four arms carries symbolic significance, representing the core virtues of love, compassion, joy, and equanimity. These virtues serve as the foundational principles of bodhicitta, the Buddhist practice centered on compassion. Additionally, Chenrezig's seated posture in the lotus position, known as Padma asana, symbolizes purity and spiritual awakening. This imagery embodies the idea that, despite being rooted in the challenges of worldly existence, one can transcend these obstacles and attain enlightenment, in alignment with the principles of Mahayana Buddhism.

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Specifications

	MIS665
	Copper with Gold Plated
	Height: 9 inch
	Width: 7 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.60 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.

The Embodiment of Compassion: A Chenrezig Masterpiece

This exquisite statue captures the essence of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, a revered figure in Mahayana Buddhism. Known in Tibetan as Chenrezig and in Sanskrit as Avalokiteshvara, this celestial being is the embodiment of all Buddhas' compassion. The legend tells that Chenrezig, upon witnessing the suffering of sentient beings, shed tears of profound empathy. From these tears, Tara, the female bodhisattva, emerged, symbolizing the active manifestation of compassion. This masterful rendition, crafted from copper and adorned with gold plating, brings this divine presence to life in your sacred space. ––––––––––

Symbolism and Iconography

The multiple arms of Chenrezig signify his boundless ability to extend help and solace to all beings. His primary hands are pressed together in a gesture of prayer or reverence, representing his dedication to the liberation of all sentient beings. The other hands are adorned with symbolic objects, each holding deep meaning. In this particular depiction, the objects held are often indicative of specific aspects of his compassionate activity, such as the wish-fulfilling jewel, representing the attainment of enlightened desires, or the lotus, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. The serene expression, the benevolent gaze, and the intricate details of his crown and ornaments all convey his divine nature and his unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering. The posture of serene meditation, seated upon a lotus base, further emphasizes his transcendence and spiritual wisdom. ––––––––––

Artistic Craftsmanship from Nepal

Hailing from the rich artistic traditions of Nepal, this statue is a testament to the skill and devotion of Nepalese artisans. The meticulous craftsmanship, evident in every curve and detail, reflects centuries of spiritual practice and artistic heritage. The use of copper as the base material provides a durable and resonant medium, while the application of gold plating elevates the statue's sacred aura, imbuing it with a radiant and divine glow. The color palette, with its deep reds, rich golds, and subtle silver accents, creates a visually captivating and spiritually uplifting piece. Each element is carefully sculpted and finished, making this statue not just an object of devotion, but also a remarkable work of art. Its presence is sure to inspire peace, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to the principles of compassion.

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.