This extraordinary 14-inch Antiquated 1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara Statue portrays Chenrezig Chagstong Chentong, the thousand-armed and eleven-headed manifestation of the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Handmade in Patan, Nepal from copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax casting method, the sculpture combines a deep antiquated-oxidized finish with carefully selected details fire gilded in 24K gold. The statue measures 14 inches high with its removable frame and 12.75 inches without it, creating an impressive yet manageable shrine sculpture with exceptional visual depth.
Antiquated 1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara Statue – Special Features
The defining feature of this sculpture is the spectacular arrangement of arms radiating outward behind Avalokiteshvara. In the traditional Sahasrabhuja iconography, the thousand hands represent Chenrezig’s limitless capacity to reach suffering beings, while the eyes associated with his hands symbolize the wisdom necessary to recognize suffering and respond appropriately. The sculpture surrounds this complex arrangement with a broad, removable leaf-shaped aureole enriched with gilded concentric detailing, raised circular ornaments and a dark antiquated background.
Above the principal face rises the distinctive arrangement of eleven heads. This extraordinary form recalls Avalokiteshvara’s determination to liberate all sentient beings despite the seemingly immeasurable suffering of samsara. The uppermost Buddha represents Amitabha, with whom Avalokiteshvara is closely associated. Learn more about the history and symbolism of the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara form and its place within Himalayan Buddhism.
Sacred Implements of the Chenrezig Chagstong Chentong
Avalokiteshvara’s principal hands meet before his heart in anjali mudra, the devotional gesture closely associated with Chenrezig. Among the prominent outer hands are the 108 mala beads, recalling the continual recitation of his sacred mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum. Other principal hands display ritual attributes representing the many skillful means through which enlightened compassion benefits sentient beings.
The figure stands upright upon a rounded lotus support positioned over an unusually elaborate stepped temple throne. Small sculpted guardian faces, architectural supports, engraved borders and a textile-like drape descending over the center of the pedestal give the base considerable character. Gold detailing has been selectively applied against the dark oxidized copper alloy, emphasizing the crowns, jewelry, garments, aureole and architectural decoration without obscuring the warm antiquated surface.
1000-Armed Avalokiteshvara and Four-Armed Chenrezig
This sculpture makes an especially meaningful companion to a Four-Armed Tibetan Chenrezig statue. They represent the same Bodhisattva of Compassion expressed through two complementary forms. Four-Armed Chenrezig presents compassion in a serene, meditative form, while the thousand arms of Chagstong Chentong express compassion expanding outward into limitless enlightened activity. Displayed together, the two sculptures create a compelling visual progression from contemplative compassion to compassionate action.
Filling and Consecrating Your Avalokiteshvara Statue
A Buddhist statue intended for spiritual practice may traditionally be filled with sacred substances, mantras and other appropriate materials before being blessed by a qualified lama. You can learn about this process in our guide to Buddha statue filling, blessing and consecration. This transforms the sculpture from a devotional representation into a properly prepared support for Buddhist practice according to Tibetan tradition.
Custom Made 1000 Armed Avalokiteshvara Statues
For collectors, Dharma centers and practitioners requiring a different size or finish, we can commission custom Tibetan Buddhist statues handmade by skilled artisans in Patan, Nepal. A custom Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara can be created in copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax method with antiquated finishes, selective or extensive 24K gold fire gilding, specialized engraving and other requested details. Turquoise and red coral gemstones may also be embedded into appropriate jewelry and ornamental areas upon request, allowing the finished sculpture to be tailored to the setting of your shrine or collection.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue is handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using traditional lost wax casting and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by Nepal’s Department of Archaeology, verifying its materials, technique, and origin.
