Our Nepali craftsman created our beautiful 14″ four armed Tibetan Avalokiteshvara statue with the traditional lost wax casting method to imbue the statue with the lifelike qualities of Buddhist virtue. At the request of the buyer, we would be happy to adorn the jewels and hair ornaments of the statue with turquoise or red coral stones. At no extra charge, the skilled artisan can embellish the statue with these special decorations before delivery. The color turquoise is a special combination of blue and green, and the color red pays tribute to Amitabha Buddha. Additionally, Tibetan Buddhists believe meditation on the color red can transmute attachment into the wisdom of discernment.
Uniquely among our Chenrezig sculptures, this statue wears no crown: his jet-black hair is dressed instead with gold rosettes, jeweled bands, and curling gold ribbons at the temples, rising to a tall topknot finished with a gold finial — and even the back of the topknot is ornamented with rosettes above a jeweled fringe. Seen from behind, the ribbons are backed in red, and the engraving continues across the robe and pedestal, from bold foliate scrollwork down to a woven pattern at the base.
Symbolism of the Tibetan Avalokiteshvara Statue
The evolution of Avalokiteshvara resulted in the incarnation of Chenrezig on the Tibetan Plateau. In the upper right hand our Chenrezig statue clutches the 108 mala beads, because he is constantly reciting his mantra on behalf of all beings — explore the meaning of Om Mani Padme Hum, syllable by syllable. In his upper left hand he holds a large open lotus blossom, and his robe is engraved throughout with dense, extraordinarily fine textile patterns — the hand carved detail work that sets this sculpture apart.
In addition to constant recitations of his mantra, he has vowed to forgo enlightenment until all suffering is eliminated. Because of his limitless devotion to sentient life he is known as the “Bodhisattva of Compassion,” and devotees have come to directly associate him with the compassion of the Buddha.
Our four-armed Tibetan Avalokiteshvara statue has his two main hands pressed together in front of his chest. In between his hands is the mythical cintamani jewel, which will grant the wishes of devotees who have unwavering faith in its power. He sits in the full lotus pose — also known as the vajra pose, symbolizing unshakable virtue — with two vajra symbols carved into the soles of his upturned feet. Compare every form of the Bodhisattva of Compassion in our Avalokiteshvara statue collection.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue and ritual item 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.
