Our Shakya master artisan created our 9″ oxidized copper four-armed Chenrezig Statue (Tibetan Avalokiteshvara) with the crown and jewels of a bodhisattva — the five-leaf crown framed by ribbons curling at the temples, above layered necklaces and finely engraved sleeves. At the request of the buyer we can embed turquoise and red coral stones into the crown and jewels. It is a complimentary service completed at no extra cost to the buyer. As a result, your Chenrezig statue will display the important colors of Tibetan Buddhism and inspire all who see it. Please be sure to notify us before shipping if you wish to have the stones inserted.
This statue was handmade using the traditional lost wax method, which has been used for many centuries to create the best statues in the world. As a result, our handmade statues and ritual items are the preferred source of the Tibetan monasteries. The finishing continues fully in the round: his ribbed hair is gathered into a tiered topknot bound by a carved tie with hanging tassels, a sash crosses his back from shoulder to hip, and engraved scroll borders trace the collar and hem of his cape.
Special Meaning of This Chenrezig Statue
After Buddhism was initially founded it became one of the world’s most highly venerated religions. However, as Buddhist beliefs spread to East Asia certain adaptations were made to suit the many cultures that embraced the deities of the Buddhist pantheon. This caused the identity of Avalokiteshvara to be modified when Buddhism arrived in Tibet, where the bodhisattva became known as Chenrezig — the patron deity of Tibet itself.
In addition, the new appearance of Avalokiteshvara featured four arms, each holding a special symbol. In his upper left hand he holds a blossoming lotus flower at shoulder height — indeed, Chenrezig is also known as “Padmapani,” meaning “lotus holder.” Padmapani was his name in the non-Tantric Mahayana Buddhism of India, where he was depicted with just two arms, holding an utpala lotus in his right hand, before Tibetan Buddhism and Vajrayana transformed him into the four-armed Chenrezig and the 1000 armed Avalokiteshvara respectively. Our Chenrezig statue is also holding the mala beads in his upper right hand, because he is constantly reciting mantras to relieve the suffering of sentient life.
Furthermore, Chenrezig is pressing the “cintamani jewel” between two of his hands in front of his chest. This special jewel is believed by Tibetan Buddhists to grant wishes; therefore it is highly auspicious to have a Chenrezig statue depicted with the cintamani. He sits in the full lotus pose on a lotus pedestal with carved petals and beaded rims, the engraved hem of his robe spilling over the seat and the polished oxidized copper glowing with an iridescent sheen. See this piece alongside the rest of our work in the complete statue gallery.
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.
