This 8.75″ Tibetan Avalokiteshvara statue (four-armed Chenrezig) pairs a hand carved crystal face and torso with a 24K gold gilded crown, arms, and lower body — a striking combination rarely attempted outside Patan’s master workshops. Embedded semi-precious stones run down the necklace and cuffs in ruby-pink and green, and a pale carved scarf sweeps over the shoulders and around all four arms. The statue was created using the traditional lost wax sculpting method and finished with fire gilded pure 24K gold.
At the request of the buyer we can further embellish the Bodhisattva crown and earrings with turquoise and red coral stones. Please be sure to request it before shipping, and we will include the service at no additional cost. Tibetan Buddhists believe meditation on the color red can transmute attachment into the wisdom of discernment — the statue will wear the adornments well and inspire all who see it.
Symbolism of Tibetan Avalokiteshvara Statue
As Buddhism spread outside of India, deities such as Avalokiteshvara took on the characteristics of each new culture. On the Tibetan Plateau he evolved into the four armed incarnation known as Chenrezig — one of many forms explored in our guide to the Buddhist pantheon.
In his upper right hand our Avalokiteshvara statue clutches the mala beads, because he is constantly reciting his mantra Om Mani Padme Hum on behalf of all beings — explore the meaning of Om Mani Padme Hum, syllable by syllable, in our comprehensive Chenrezig guide. In his upper left hand he raises a golden blossom, recalling his name Padmapani, the lotus-bearer.
He has vowed to forgo enlightenment until the suffering of all beings is eliminated, and because of this limitless devotion he is known as the Bodhisattva of Compassion, directly associated with the compassion of the Buddha himself. His two main hands are pressed together before his chest, holding the mythical cintamani jewel, which grants the wishes of devotees whose faith is unwavering.
Chenrezig sits in the full lotus pose on a gilded lotus pedestal with carved petals and a beaded rim, his engraved dhoti flowing over crossed legs and the crystal of his body catching the light between the gold. 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.
