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Tibetan Buddhist Bodhisattva Deity Chenrezig (Made in Nepal)

$370.50
$494
25% off
Includes any tariffs and taxes
Specifications
ZEM790
COPPER STATUE FROM NEPAL
Height: 8.6 inch
Width: 3.5 inch
Depth: 6.5 inch
Weight 1.60 kg
Delivery and Return Policies
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.

Embodying Compassion: A Reverent Depiction of Chenrezig

This exquisite copper statue, meticulously crafted in Nepal, offers a profound visual representation of Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. In Tibetan Buddhism, Chenrezig is one of the most revered deities, embodying the boundless love and empathy of all Buddhas. It is believed that the Dalai Lama is a direct manifestation of Chenrezig, making this deity a cornerstone of spiritual practice and devotion for millions. The very essence of Chenrezig is to alleviate the suffering of all sentient beings, a noble aspiration captured in the serene yet powerful posture of this artwork. The intricate details of this statue speak to the rich artistic heritage and deep spiritual understanding of its creators. Chenrezig is depicted here with multiple arms, symbolizing the myriad ways compassion can manifest and reach out to assist those in need. The primary hands are held in the Anjali Mudra, the gesture of prayer and reverence, indicating the deep spiritual connection and devotion. The upper hands often hold symbolic objects; in this rendition, one hand delicately holds a lotus flower, a potent symbol of purity and enlightenment, blooming untainted from the mud of worldly existence. The other hands are adorned with ornaments, suggesting the Bodhisattva's regal yet humble presence, and may represent the tools used to bestow blessings or guide practitioners.

Symbolism and Spiritual Significance

The iconography of Chenrezig is rich with meaning. His white form signifies purity and clarity of mind, essential qualities for one who embodies ultimate compassion. The serene expression on his face is one of profound kindness and unwavering patience, reflecting the immense suffering he witnesses and seeks to overcome. The multiple faces, often associated with Chenrezig in other forms, represent his omniscient awareness and his ability to perceive the needs of all beings from every direction. The jeweled crown and ornaments adorning the deity are not markers of vanity but symbolize the perfection of wisdom and the realization of the Dharma. The lotus upon which he sits is a profound reminder of the path to enlightenment, suggesting that even within the challenging circumstances of existence, one can cultivate purity and achieve spiritual liberation. The snakes often depicted alongside Chenrezig represent the overcoming of negative emotions and the control over destructive impulses, transforming them into wisdom and compassion.

A Masterpiece of Nepalese Craftsmanship

This statue is a testament to the skill and dedication of Nepalese artisans who have preserved and perfected their craft for generations. The use of copper as the base material lends the statue a sense of permanence and gravitas, a fitting medium for such a divine representation. The vibrant colors that adorn the deity further enhance its spiritual impact, with each hue carrying its own symbolic weight. These colors are meticulously applied, highlighting the delicate features and the flowing garments, bringing the divine form to life. Owning this statue is not merely acquiring a decorative item, but inviting a powerful spiritual presence into your home or meditation space, a constant reminder of the aspiration for boundless compassion and the potential for inner peace. It serves as an object of contemplation, encouraging the development of empathy and kindness in our own lives.

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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