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Bodhisattva Chenrezig From Nepal

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Name: Bodhisattva Chenrezig From Nepal
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: CAA090
Price: 2690.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$2522.25

$3363

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

Only 1 available

Emanating a divine gentleness, Chenrezig or Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara in his seated, four-armed form, enlightens this statue from Nepal. In his primary hands close to his heart, Chenrezig holds the Chintamani, or the wish-fulfilling jewel, while in the other two are the rosary making the symbol of infinity and a lotus. The Bodhisattva is draped in an exquisite ensemble and wears a gold crown over his beautifully tied tresses. With fine etchings embellishing the entire statue, Chenrezig’s mesmeric visage calms the mind swiftly.

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Specifications

	CAA090
	Copper With Gold
	Height: 19 inch
	Width: 14 inch
	Depth: 9 inch
	Weight 9.60 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.

A Beacon of Compassion: The Golden Bodhisattva

This exquisite statue depicts Avalokiteshvara, known in Tibetan Buddhism as Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Revered as the embodiment of the Buddha's compassion for all sentient beings, Chenrezig is a central figure in Mahayana Buddhism, his benevolent gaze and infinite mercy inspiring practitioners worldwide. This magnificent representation, crafted from copper with a lavish gold finish, captures the serene majesty and profound love that define this divine being. The lustrous gold imbues the sculpture with an ethereal glow, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and the celestial realm from which Chenrezig watches over the universe.

Iconography and Symbolism

The artistry of this statue is a testament to the rich traditions of Nepalese craftsmanship. Chenrezig is depicted seated in the lotus posture, a symbol of spiritual purity and detachment from worldly desires. His multiple arms are a key iconographic feature, signifying his boundless ability to act compassionately in countless ways to alleviate suffering. The primary hands are held together in the *anjali mudra*, the gesture of prayer and reverence, suggesting his deep devotion and the union of wisdom and method. The other hands hold symbolic objects: one gracefully cradles a lotus blossom, representing purity and enlightenment, while another grasps a wish-fulfilling jewel, symbolizing the power to grant the deepest desires of all beings. The intricate details of his adornments, including the elaborate crown and flowing robes, are meticulously rendered, reflecting the opulence and divine nature attributed to him. His serene countenance, with half-closed eyes, suggests deep meditation and unwavering focus on the welfare of others.

The Legend of Chenrezig

The origins of Chenrezig are woven into the fabric of Buddhist lore. According to legend, when Avalokiteshvara observed the vast suffering of beings in samsara, his heart broke, and tears of compassion streamed from his eyes. From these tears, the Tara emerged, another benevolent deity who aids in the path of enlightenment. Chenrezig is often depicted as male, but his compassionate nature can manifest in feminine forms as well, reflecting the universal and boundless quality of his mercy. He is believed to have made a vow to liberate all sentient beings from suffering, and it is said that if one calls upon him with true sincerity, he will appear to offer solace and guidance. The practice of reciting the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" is dedicated to Chenrezig, believed to purify the mind and cultivate compassion.

A Sacred Treasure

This resplendent statue, originating from Nepal, is not merely an object of art but a powerful conduit for spiritual connection. The craftsmanship speaks to generations of devotion and artistic mastery, bringing the sacred presence of Chenrezig into your home or meditation space. Its substantial presence and radiant finish make it a captivating centerpiece, inviting contemplation and fostering an atmosphere of peace and compassion. Whether you are a devout practitioner seeking a tangible representation of your spiritual ideals or an admirer of exquisite cultural artistry, this golden Bodhisattva offers a profound connection to a timeless message of universal love and kindness.

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.