Statue Avolokeshora/Zinresi

Statue Avolokeshora/Zinresi

Material: Copper, gold plated

Height: approx: 14 cm.

Width: approx: 9 cm.

Weight: 540 grams

Nepal has a rich tradition of statue-making, which dates back centuries. The art of statue-making in Nepal is deeply rooted in religious and cultural practices, and it has played a significant role in the development of Nepali art and craftsmanship. The statues created in Nepal are predominantly religious in nature and are crafted by skilled artisans known as “Shilpakars” or “Kamis.”

Here are some key aspects of the traditional art of making statues in Nepal:

1. Materials: The statues are typically made from various materials, including wood, metal, stone, clay, and bronze. Each material has its own unique characteristics and is chosen based on the requirements of the statue.
2. Woodcarving: Woodcarving is a prominent technique used in statue-making in Nepal. The artisans carve intricate details and designs into the wood, resulting in beautifully crafted statues. The most commonly used wood for carving statues is the softwood of the Himalayan cedar tree.
3. Metal Casting: Metal casting is another important technique employed in statue-making. Brass, bronze, and copper are commonly used metals for casting statues. The process involves creating a clay mold, which is then filled with molten metal. The artisans use various tools to shape and refine the statue after it cools.
4. Iconography and Symbolism: Nepali statues often depict deities, gods, and goddesses from Hinduism and Buddhism. Each statue has symbolic significance and is crafted following specific iconographic guidelines. These guidelines dictate the poses, gestures, facial expressions, and other details that convey the divine attributes of the deity.
5. Rituals and Blessings: Once a statue is completed, it undergoes a series of rituals and blessings to infuse it with spiritual energy. These rituals are performed by priests and are believed to give life to the statue, making it an object of veneration.
6. Patan and Bhaktapur: The cities of Patan and Bhaktapur in Nepal are renowned for their statue-making traditions. The artisans in these cities have been practicing their craft for generations and have contributed significantly to the preservation of Nepali art and culture.
7. Cultural Significance: Statues hold great cultural and religious significance in Nepal. They are found in temples, monasteries, public squares, and private homes. They serve as objects of worship, meditation, and spiritual devotion, playing a central role in religious rituals and festivals.

Zinresi is a form of Bodhisatwa Avolokeshora. He is also known as Six Sylbled Lokeswara. The six syllables are “OM MANI PADME HUM”, which are considered so effective as to be carved into rock walls and chanted constantly by devotees. It is always decorated with all kinds of ornaments. He is white in color, with a four-armed carrying rosary in his right hand and a fully eloped lotus in his left hand. The other two main hands are raised to the chest with the palms prescribed in Namaskar Mudra with a round object known as a “jewel” which is considered a symbol of knowledge