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9" Chenrezig Copper Idol from Nepal | Avalokiteshvara Statue

$947.25
$1263
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Chenrezig, also known as Avalokiteshvara, is a bodhisattva associated with compassion in Tibetan Buddhism. Often depicted with multiple arms and heads, Chenrezig is believed to embody boundless compassion, and the ability to assist beings in various forms. The mantra associated with Chenrezig is the well-known "Om Mani Padme Hum."


Widely revered, Chenrezig is a central figure in Tibetan Buddhist practices. The belief in Chenrezig's compassionate presence extends to various forms and manifestations, illustrating the diverse ways in which compassion can manifest to aid those in need. Chenrezig is considered a guiding force on the path to enlightenment, inspiring practitioners to cultivate compassion and engage in altruistic actions.

Specifications
MIU182
Copper
Height: 9.5 inch
Width: 5.5 inch
Depth: 4 inch
Weight 2 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.

Embodiment of Compassion: A Chenrezig Masterpiece

From the heart of Nepal, a land steeped in spiritual heritage, emerges this exquisite copper idol of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Crafted with meticulous detail by skilled artisans, this statue is more than just an object of art; it is a tangible representation of profound kindness, boundless empathy, and the unwavering desire to alleviate suffering. Chenrezig, known in Sanskrit as Avalokiteshvara, is one of the most revered deities in Mahayana Buddhism, embodying the active compassion of all Buddhas. His name itself translates to "The Lord Who Looks Down," signifying his constant gaze upon the suffering of all sentient beings and his ceaseless efforts to offer solace and liberation.

A Vision of Serene Benevolence

This magnificent copper representation captures the serene and benevolent countenance of Chenrezig. With his hands brought together in the traditional *Anjali Mudra*, a gesture of prayer and respect, he emanates an aura of peace and tranquility. The intricate detailing of his silver-inlaid ornamentation, including the ornate crown, necklaces, and bracelets, speaks to the divine nature of this enlightened being. His multiple arms symbolize his ability to reach out to all beings in need, offering aid and guidance. In one hand, he holds a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, representing the unfolding of wisdom and compassion. The delicate rendering of the fabric drapes further accentuates the divine grace and artistry involved in its creation.

Cultural Significance and Devotion

The presence of Chenrezig is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Nepal and the wider Himalayan region. He is considered the patron deity of Tibet, and his mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum," is chanted by millions as a powerful expression of devotion and a means to cultivate compassion. Legend tells that when Chenrezig heard the cries of all beings in samsara, his head split into eleven pieces, which were then reformed by Amitabha Buddha into ten heads to better hear all pleas, and his arms into a thousand hands, each with an eye in the palm, to better help all those in need. This idol serves as a focal point for meditation and prayer, inviting practitioners to connect with the essence of compassion within themselves and to extend it to others. Owning such a statue is a profound act of spiritual connection, bringing the energy of divine compassion into one's home or sacred space.

A Testament to Himalayan Craftsmanship

Hand-cast from high-quality copper, this statue showcases the enduring artistic traditions of Nepal. The skilled artisans have breathed life into the metal, imbuing it with a spiritual essence that is palpable. The interplay of the warm copper tones with the cool silver accents creates a visually stunning piece that is both commanding and inviting. Each detail, from the gentle curve of the lips to the precise placement of each jewel-like ornament, is a testament to centuries of learned skill and dedicated practice passed down through generations. This idol is not merely a decorative item but a sacred artifact, a powerful reminder of the path towards enlightenment and the transformative power of unwavering 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.
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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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