This beautiful 9-inch Nepali Lokeshvara Statue portrays Four-Armed Chenrezig, the Tibetan manifestation of Avalokiteshvara and one of the most revered embodiments of enlightened compassion. Handmade in Nepal from copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax casting method, the sculpture is fire gilded in 24K gold, giving its finely sculpted surfaces a warm and luminous appearance. Chenrezig’s serene face is hand painted with 18K gold and natural pigments, framed by deep-blue hair and an elaborate five-point Bodhisattva crown. Ornamental earrings, necklaces, bracelets and armlets complement the engraved garments and graceful celestial scarves that extend around the seated figure.
The crown and jewelry may also be embellished with turquoise and red coral gemstones upon request before shipment at no additional cost. These colorful stones provide a traditional Himalayan accent against the rich gold surface while emphasizing the elaborate ornamentation appropriate to a Bodhisattva.
Iconography of the Nepali Lokeshvara Statue
Four-Armed Chenrezig represents the compassionate activity directed toward all sentient beings. His four arms are traditionally associated with the four immeasurables of loving-kindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity. The two principal hands meet before his heart in Anjali mudra, the reverential gesture at the visual center of the sculpture. Between the joined palms is the precious jewel associated with Chenrezig’s compassionate aspiration. Learn more about the deity and his many manifestations in our complete guide to Avalokiteshvara and Chenrezig.
His raised right hand holds a strand of mala beads, symbolizing continuous mantra recitation and the compassionate activity that never ceases. The beads are closely associated with Om Mani Padme Hum, perhaps the best-known mantra of Tibetan Buddhism. Our guide explains the symbolism and traditional interpretation of the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra. The upper left hand supports a lotus blossom, recalling the Sanskrit name Padmapani, “Lotus Bearer.” The lotus expresses purity and awakening arising unstained from the conditions of samsara.
24K Gold Gilded Four-Armed Chenrezig Statue
The sculpture rewards closer examination with numerous hand-finished details. Chenrezig’s crown rises in elaborate flame-like points above his blue-painted hair, while large ornamental earrings frame his peaceful face. Engraved patterns decorate the garments and jewelry, and long celestial scarves curve outward before terminating in sculpted openwork scrolls. Chenrezig sits in the full lotus posture above a substantial double-tiered lotus throne. The pedestal combines a finely beaded upper border with prominent raised lotus-petal carvings, giving the compact 9-inch sculpture a strong architectural foundation.
Pairing Four-Armed and 1,000-Armed Avalokiteshvara
Four-Armed Chenrezig makes an especially meaningful companion to 1,000-Armed Avalokiteshvara. Rather than representing different deities, the two forms express complementary dimensions of Avalokiteshvara’s compassion. The peaceful four-armed form emphasizes contemplative compassion, mantra practice and the four immeasurables, while the thousand-armed manifestation dramatically expresses compassion extending outward in every direction to assist innumerable beings. Displayed together, they create a coherent visual progression from meditative compassion to boundless compassionate activity.
Filling and Consecrating Your Nepali Lokeshvara Statue
A Buddhist statue intended for devotional practice may traditionally be filled with sacred substances, mantras and other appropriate materials before being blessed by a qualified practitioner. This sculpture can be prepared according to the owner’s lineage and practice. Our guide to Buddha statue filling, blessing and consecration explains this traditional process and the role it can play in preparing a sacred image for an altar or meditation space.
Custom Made Nepali Lokeshvara Statues
For collectors, practitioners and Buddhist centers seeking a particular size, finish or iconographic treatment, we also commission custom Tibetan Buddhist statues handmade by experienced Nepali artisans. A custom Chenrezig may be commissioned with selected dimensions, gilding and decorative details while preserving the traditional iconography of the deity. Turquoise and red coral may also be embedded into the crown and jewelry, allowing the finished sculpture to be tailored to its intended altar, 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.
