High-Quality Buddhist Statue of 1000-Armed Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara – Full Gold Plated, Face Painted
- Item Code: HME25559
- Weight: 30,000 grams
- Size: 134 x 92 x 67 cm
- Material: Copper
- Availability: Available
Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara: The Thousand-Armed Bodhisattva of Compassion
Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara, the Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara, is one of the most revered figures in Buddhist tradition. Each of his thousand hands symbolizes his infinite compassion, reaching out to aid sentient beings in their suffering. The presence of multiple eyes on his hands represents his all-seeing wisdom, ensuring that no being goes unnoticed in their struggles. This statue serves as a powerful representation of compassion, protection, and enlightenment.
Gold-Painted Face: A Sacred Ritual
The face of Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara is hand-painted with gold, a sacred and symbolic ritual in Buddhist traditions. This practice enhances the statue’s significant features, particularly the eyes and lips, which metal carving alone cannot fully capture. The gold-painted face serves as a preparation for consecration and spiritual practice, imbuing the statue with a sense of life and divine presence. Artisans devote great care to this process, ensuring that the statue’s expression reflects wisdom, serenity, and compassion.
Full Fire Gold Plating: A Traditional Technique
This statue is meticulously plated with pure gold using the fire gilding method, also known as mercury gold plating. Unlike modern electroplating, fire gilding is a time-honored technique that ensures exceptional durability, brilliance, and authenticity.
In Nepal, fire gilding is considered the true and traditional form of gold plating. While more expensive, it is highly valued for its long-lasting beauty and deep cultural significance. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in this traditional technique, as more people appreciate its historical importance and superior craftsmanship.
Lost-Wax Casting: An Ancient Artform
This Sahasrabhuja Avalokitesvara statue is crafted using the ancient lost-wax casting method, also known as investment casting. This meticulously detailed process has been practiced for thousands of years and involves:
- Wax Model Creation – A detailed sculpture is first made in wax, ensuring that every intricate detail is captured.
- Ceramic Shell Formation – Multiple layers of ceramic material coat the wax model to create a sturdy mold.
- Wax Removal – The mold is heated, melting and draining the wax, leaving behind a hollow cavity.
- Metal Casting – Molten copper is poured into the cavity, taking the shape of the original wax sculpture.
- Final Finishing – Once the metal cools, the ceramic shell is removed, revealing the detailed sculpture.
This traditional method ensures that each statue is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, with remarkable craftsmanship and historical authenticity.
