Created as a commanding focal point for a monastery, Dharma center, or private shrine room, this 24.5″ Lokeshvara statue combines monumental scale with the refined detailing of traditional Newar sculpture. The figure was handcrafted from copper alloy in Patan, Nepal by master Shakya artisans using the lost wax casting method and then fire gilded in 24K pure gold. Standing 17″ wide and 11.5″ deep and weighing approximately 22 kilograms, the sculpture has the physical presence required for a principal altar image while retaining graceful proportions and a serene expression of enlightened compassion.
The polished golden surface draws attention to the elaborate Bodhisattva crown, layered necklaces, floral earrings, bracelets, armbands, celestial scarves, and delicately engraved garment borders. His face is traditionally hand painted in real gold, allowing the artisan to define the eyes, arched brows, urna, and softly colored lips with greater subtlety than fire gilding alone could provide. Dark blue hair rises beneath the crown in a tall, carefully modeled arrangement and falls in long tresses beside the neck. The crown and jewelry are not currently set with colored stones; at the buyer’s request, the artisan can embellish them with turquoise or red coral before delivery.
Lokeshvara is the Sanskrit name of Avalokiteshvara, known throughout Tibet as Chenrezig. He embodies the limitless compassion of all the Buddhas and is especially revered as the patron Bodhisattva of Tibet. Rather than withdrawing from the suffering of the world after attaining realization, Chenrezig vowed to continue assisting sentient beings until all are liberated. His four-armed form expresses compassion that observes suffering, understands its causes, and responds through enlightened activity. Learn more about the history and practice of the Bodhisattva of Compassion in our guide to Avalokiteshvara and Chenrezig statues.
Lokeshvara Statue Features and Sacred Attributes
The two principal hands of this Lokeshvara statue meet before his heart in a gesture of devotion while enclosing the cintamani, or wish-fulfilling jewel. The jewel represents the awakened mind of compassion and the spiritual fulfillment available through sincere Dharma practice. Its placement directly before the heart emphasizes that Chenrezig’s compassionate activity arises not from ordinary emotion, but from wisdom joined with an immeasurable commitment to relieve suffering.
His upper right hand holds a strand of 108 mala beads, symbolizing his ceaseless recitation of Om Mani Padme Hum for the benefit of all beings. Each repetition of the mantra is traditionally associated with the purification of obscurations and the cultivation of compassion. The sculptor has carefully separated the individual beads and formed them into two naturally hanging loops, preserving the delicacy of the attribute despite the statue’s considerable scale.
In his upper left hand, Lokeshvara holds a fully open lotus blossom at shoulder height. This attribute also identifies him as Padmapani, the “Lotus Bearer.” The lotus grows from muddy water yet opens above the surface without being stained by it, making the flower an enduring symbol of awakening that remains untouched by the afflictions of samsara. The four arms are traditionally associated with the four immeasurable qualities of loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity.
Craftsmanship of the Lokeshvara Statue
The front view reveals finely modeled crown leaves, layered jewelry, engraved borders, and celestial scarves that curl outward on both sides of the lotus pedestal. The polished torso contrasts with the more intricately worked ornaments, helping the principal attributes remain visually clear. The garment folds fall naturally across his crossed legs and are bordered with detailed scrollwork, while the substantial oval pedestal is defined by a beaded upper rim and a band of deeply carved lotus petals.
The rear view confirms that the artisan completed the sculpture in the round rather than concentrating only on the display-facing surface. The back, shoulders, arms, waist, and crossed legs retain a smooth 24K gold finish, while the crown, hair bindings, earrings, scarves, mala beads, lotus blossom, and pedestal remain fully modeled from behind. This complete finishing is especially important for a large altar statue that may be viewed from several directions within a temple or shrine room.
The sculpture may be prepared for traditional filling, blessing, and consecration according to the buyer’s lineage and requirements. Its monastery-scale proportions, stable copper-alloy construction, balanced four-armed composition, and enduring gold finish make it suitable as a central devotional image as well as an heirloom work of Himalayan Buddhist art.
Four-Armed Chenrezig Statue and Green Tara Shrine Pair
This Chenrezig statue can be displayed as a complementary shrine pair with our 18.5″ Khadiravani Tara statue. Both sculptures were created in Patan from copper alloy, fire gilded in 24K pure gold, and finished with gold-painted faces, elaborate Bodhisattva ornaments, lotus imagery, and flowing celestial scarves. Their difference in height creates a natural altar arrangement, with the 24.5″ Lokeshvara serving as the taller principal figure and Khadiravani Tara positioned beside him.
The pairing is also closely connected in Buddhist symbolism. Tara is traditionally associated with the compassion of Avalokiteshvara and represents its swift, active expression. Lokeshvara embodies immeasurable compassion for every sentient being, while Khadiravani Tara responds immediately to fear, obstacles, and calls for assistance. Their matching golden finishes and complementary iconography create a unified shrine presentation centered on contemplative compassion and compassionate action.
Custom Made Four-Armed Chenrezig Statues
A custom Tibetan Buddhist statue of Lokeshvara may also be commissioned for a monastery, Dharma center, or personal shrine. Buyers may specify the height, proportions, lotus pedestal, engraving patterns, degree of 24K fire gilding, facial painting, and placement of turquoise, red coral, or other approved stones. Coordinated Lokeshvara and Tara commissions may be developed with matching pedestal dimensions, crown styles, gemstone colors, and surface treatments so the completed figures form a deliberately designed shrine set.
The commission begins with a hand-sculpted wax model that establishes the statue’s posture, iconography, and proportions before casting. The copper-alloy figure is subsequently chased, polished, engraved, gilded, painted, and embellished by hand. Progress photographs may be supplied at important stages so that iconographic and decorative details can be reviewed before completion. Because the wax model is destroyed during the traditional casting process, every finished Lokeshvara statue retains the individual character of an original handmade sculpture.
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.
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