Tibetan Buddhist Deity- Chenrezig (Four Armed Avalokiteshvara)

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Specifications

	ZBM32
	Copper Sculpture Gilded with 24 Karat Gold
	Height: 13 inch
	Width: 5.5 inch
	Depth: 9 inch
	Weight 3.70 kg

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Embodiment of Compassion: The Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara

This magnificent statue embodies the very essence of boundless compassion, a central figure in Tibetan Buddhism known as Chenrezig, or the Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara. Crafted from copper and meticulously gilded with 24 karat gold, this deity radiates an aura of divine serenity and profound wisdom. The intricate details and the lustrous golden sheen evoke a sense of sacredness, making it a truly awe-inspiring piece for any devotional space or contemplative sanctuary. ––––––––––

The Iconography of Infinite Kindness

The four arms of Avalokiteshvara are symbolic of his omnipresent compassion and his ability to aid all sentient beings. The two principal hands are held in the prayerful gesture of *anjali mudra* at the heart, signifying his deep reverence and his unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering. In his upper right hand, he holds a *chintamani* jewel, representing the fulfillment of wishes and the ultimate dharma. His upper left hand holds a lotus flower, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, blooming vibrantly. His serene countenance, with its gentle gaze and subtle smile, reflects an immeasurable love and understanding, inviting all who behold him to embrace the path of kindness and spiritual awakening. The elaborate crown and ornate adornments further emphasize his celestial status and the radiant beauty of his enlightened form. ––––––––––

A Legacy of Mercy and Enlightenment

In Buddhist lore, Avalokiteshvara is the bodhisattva of compassion, who vowed to remain in samsara until all beings are liberated from suffering. Legend has it that his tears of compassion for the suffering of the world created the Lake of Tara. He is often depicted in various forms, but the four-armed manifestation is particularly revered for its clarity and accessibility. His presence is said to dispel fear, overcome obstacles, and bring peace and harmony to those who invoke his name with sincere devotion. This statue serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of compassion and the potential for enlightenment within all beings. Its exquisite craftsmanship and the sacred symbolism it represents make it a treasured object for meditation, prayer, and spiritual reflection.

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.