Chenrezig (Shadakshari Lokeshvara Tibetan Buddhist Deity)

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Specifications

	ZAG48
	Copper Statue Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 8.5 inch
	Width: 7.5 inch
	Depth: 4 inch
	Weight 1.61 kg

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The Bodhisattva of Compassion

Regarded as the embodiment of compassion, Chenrezig, also known as Avalokiteshvara, is one of the most revered bodhisattvas in Tibetan Buddhism. His name translates to "The Lord Who Looks Down" or "The Lord Who Hears the Cries of the World," reflecting his unwavering dedication to alleviating the suffering of all beings. This exquisitely crafted statue embodies Chenrezig in his Shadakshari Lokeshvara form, a manifestation that visually represents his profound mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum." The mantra itself is believed to contain all the teachings of the Buddha. "Om" is associated with the sound of creation and the vibration of the universe. "Mani" means jewel, symbolizing the bodhisattva's altruistic intention to become enlightened. "Padme" means lotus, representing wisdom and understanding. "Hum" signifies indivisibility; the unity of method and wisdom. Reciting the mantra with sincere devotion is thought to invoke Chenrezig's blessings and cultivate compassion within oneself.

Craftsmanship and Materials

This stunning statue is meticulously crafted from copper, renowned for its durability and malleability, allowing for intricate detailing. The copper form is then gilded with radiant 24 Karat gold, bestowing upon it a luminous and majestic presence. The gilding process accentuates the delicate features and symbolic attributes, creating a visual representation of Chenrezig's divine radiance. Small details of color adorn the piece, further enhancing its exquisite nature.

Symbolic Attributes

The four arms of this manifestation each hold significant symbolic meaning. The two central hands are pressed together in the Anjali Mudra, the gesture of prayer and reverence, signifying the union of wisdom and compassion. One of the remaining hands holds a crystal rosary, representing his continuous recitation of the mantra and the turning of the wheel of Dharma. The other hand grasps a lotus flower, symbol of purity, spiritual awakening and transcendence of suffering. The lotus emerges from muddy waters yet remains pristine, representing the ability to attain enlightenment even in the midst of worldly challenges. The serene expression on the face reflects Chenrezig's boundless compassion and unwavering commitment to guiding sentient beings towards liberation. He is often depicted wearing ornate jewelry, signifying his enlightened state and the inherent perfection of all beings. Placed upon an intricately carved lotus base, the statue reinforces Chenrezig's role as a source of refuge and inspiration for all who seek solace and enlightenment.

Spiritual Significance

Having this statue in your home is a potent reminder to cultivate compassion, wisdom, and loving-kindness in your daily life. It serves as a powerful focal point for meditation and prayer, allowing you to connect with the energy and blessings of this beloved Bodhisattva. It is believed that Chenrezig's presence can help to calm the mind, open the heart, and alleviate suffering. This statue is more than just a beautiful object; it is a sacred representation of the potential for compassion within all of us.

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.