Padmapani Avalokiteshvara

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$3031

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Specifications

	XF75
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 20.5 inch
	Width: 12.5 inch
	Depth: 5.5 inch
	Weight 4.70 kg

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100% Handmade

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MADE IN INDIA.

Embodiment of Compassion: The Padmapani Avalokiteshvara

This exquisite sculpture captures the benevolent presence of Padmapani Avalokiteshvara, the "Lotus-Bearer," a revered bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism. He is an embodiment of infinite compassion, believed to hear the cries of all suffering beings and offer them solace. In Buddhist mythology, Avalokiteshvara vowed not to attain full Buddhahood until all beings were liberated from suffering. His name, Padmapani, signifies his connection to the lotus flower, a potent symbol of purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, which he gracefully holds in his left hand. This posture, along with his raised right hand in the gesture of boundless generosity (Varada Mudra), conveys his readiness to dispense blessings and alleviate distress.

A Vision of Golden Radiance and Divine Craftsmanship

Crafted from high-quality copper and meticulously gilded with 24 karat gold, this statue radiates an aura of divine splendor. The luminous sheen of the gold highlights every intricate detail, from the serene, meditative expression on the bodhisattva's face to the delicate folds of his robes and the ornate adornments that signify his enlightened status. The elaborate halo, reminiscent of celestial mandalas, frames the figure with a cascade of intricate patterns and motifs, symbolizing the vastness of the cosmos and the interconnectedness of all existence. Each curl of the decorative elements speaks to the mastery of the artisan, creating a piece that is both a spiritual object and a testament to exceptional artistic skill.

Symbolism and Spiritual Resonance

The presence of Padmapani Avalokiteshvara is a powerful reminder of the path to enlightenment and the transformative power of compassion. The lotus flower, emerging pristine from muddy waters, represents the potential for spiritual awakening within all beings, regardless of their current circumstances. His serene countenance, with downcast eyes, signifies deep introspection and wisdom, while his posture of offering conveys an unwavering commitment to guiding others. In many traditions, it is believed that chanting the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" while meditating on Avalokiteshvara can purify negative karma and cultivate boundless loving-kindness. Owning this statue serves as a constant inspiration to cultivate these virtues in one's own life.

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.