Chenrezig, Buddhist Handmade Statue, Partly Gold Plated and Face Painted
Item Code: HME31308
Weight: 2,767 grams
Dimensions (cm): 32 × 23 × 13
Material: Copper
Availability: Available
Chenrezig: Brief Introduction
Chenrezig, also known as Avalokiteshvara, is among the most revered bodhisattvas in Mahayana Buddhism. He is the embodiment of boundless compassion, choosing to remain in the world rather than enter the bliss of nirvana, so that he may guide all beings toward liberation. While compassion was valued in early Buddhism, Mahayana tradition elevated it to equal importance with wisdom, reflecting its broader, more inclusive vision—one in which both monastics and lay practitioners can achieve enlightenment.
Gold Painted Face
The face of Chenrezig is hand-painted with gold to highlight delicate features such as the eyes and lips, which carving alone cannot fully express. In Buddhist tradition, this is not merely decorative but a sacred act, symbolizing the awakening of the statue’s spiritual presence. The gold-painted face imbues the figure with vitality and reverence, reflecting the dedication and skill of the artisans.
Partly Gold Plating
This statue features a traditional Nepali partly fire-gilded finish. In this method, select areas are masked to protect them from gold application, while exposed surfaces receive a layer of genuine gold through the application of heat and pressure. The result is a striking contrast between the radiant gold-plated body and the oxidized or painted garments—symbolizing the purity of the enlightened form and the humility of a monk’s attire. This technique not only enhances visual beauty but also carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning.
Lost-Wax System
Crafted using the ancient lost-wax casting technique, the statue begins as a detailed wax model, which is coated with multiple layers of ceramic to form a mold. After the wax is melted out, molten copper is poured into the cavity to create a precise replica of the original model. Once cooled, the ceramic mold is removed, revealing a finely detailed sculpture that preserves the artistry of its original design.
