Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara; Chenrezig; Chaturbhuja Avalokiteshvara
---This exquisite 33cm / 13" Chenrezig statue represents the refined artistry of Nepalese master craftsmanship—a skillfully hand-carved pure copper masterwork featuring hand-painted mineral pigments created using ancient traditional techniques.
· Height: 33 cm / 13 inches
· Material: Pure copper with hand-painted mineral pigments
· Style: Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezig) in full vajra posture
· Origin: Hand-carved masterwork from Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
· Ideal for: Meditation space, home altar, spiritual art collection, compassion practice
Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara, known in Tibetan as Chenrezig, is the embodiment of boundless compassion in Buddhist tradition. He is revered as the compassionate protector of all beings, with his mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" being the most recited prayer in the Himalayan world.
Seated in full vajra posture (padmasana) upon a double-lotus throne, his serene expression embodies the perfect peace of enlightened compassion—downcast eyes that gaze upon all beings with unconditional love, a gentle smile radiating the warmth of boundless care. The three eyes (including the wisdom eye in his forehead) perceive all suffering and respond with immediate compassionate activity.
His four arms each carry profound symbolic meaning:
· His first two hands are folded at his heart in anjali mudra, holding a wish-fulfilling jewel that represents the compassionate intention to benefit all beings
· His upper right hand holds a crystal mala (prayer beads), symbolizing his continuous activity of liberating beings from suffering
· His upper left hand holds a lotus flower, representing pure compassion that remains unstained by the world
The antelope skin draped over his left shoulder represents his gentle and compassionate nature, symbolizing grace and gentleness.
The hand-painted finish brings this compassionate deity to life with traditional mineral pigments. His white body is applied in layers to create depth and luminosity. The ornaments are highlighted with precision, the lotus petals painted in soft pinks and blues, and the face rendered with particular care—the downcast eyes conveying compassionate awareness, the subtle smile radiating the joy of enlightened activity.
Every element of this hand-carved masterwork reflects dedicated artistry. The elaborate five-jewel crown adorning his head represents the five wisdoms, each jewel rendered with crisp definition. Long silk ribbons cascade from his crown, their delicate folds carved with precision. Long earrings graze his shoulders, symbolizing his balanced awareness of all realms. Elaborate jewelry adorns his form: necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and anklets—all rendered with meticulous attention. Celestial silks drape gracefully over his shoulders, their flowing folds demonstrating mastery of classical techniques.
The double-lotus throne beneath him features layers of individually carved petals—each petal precisely shaped, their tips slightly curled, creating a throne of sacred beauty. The upper layer of petals faces upward, representing liberation, while the lower layer faces downward, symbolizing compassion descending to benefit all beings.
The ancient technique used in crafting this piece follows time-honored methods preserved in the Kathmandu Valley for centuries. The lost-wax process, detailed hand-chasing, and careful application of mineral pigments have been executed with skill by an experienced artisan.
According to traditional sources, Four-Armed Avalokiteshvara holds a central position in Buddhist practice. His mantra, "Om Mani Padme Hum," contains the essence of all Buddhist teachings: Om represents the practitioner's impure body, speech, and mind; Mani (jewel) represents the compassionate method; Padme (lotus) represents wisdom; and Hum represents their indivisible union.
For more than a millennium, the Kathmandu Valley has nurtured a living lineage of metal sculptors who have preserved the traditions of ancient lost-wax creation. This 33cm Chenrezig masterwork, with its hand-painted mineral pigments and refined carving, represents that living heritage—a timeless expression of boundless compassion.
