Monumental 88-Inch 24k Gilt Copper Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara, Nepal, 1980

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Description

A monumental Nepalese gilt and polychrome copper-alloy sculpture of Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshvara, the Thousand-Armed manifestation of Chenrezig, Bodhisattva of Compassion in … Read more A monumental Nepalese gilt and polychrome copper-alloy sculpture of Sahasrabhuja Avalokiteshvara, the Thousand-Armed manifestation of Chenrezig, Bodhisattva of Compassion in Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhist tradition. Created circa 1980 by Nepalese artist Shanta Kumar Shakya, this extraordinary handcrafted Buddhist sculpture measures 88 inches high, 60 inches wide and 32 inches deep.
The imposing figure is cast in copper alloy, richly gilded with 24-karat gold and embellished with vibrant hand-painted acrylic decoration. Avalokiteshvara is represented with multiple heads and an expansive arrangement of arms, symbolizing the bodhisattva’s limitless ability to perceive suffering and extend compassionate assistance in every direction.
The principal hands are arranged close to the heart around the wish-fulfilling jewel, while others carry traditional Buddhist attributes associated with compassion, wisdom and enlightened activity. The intricately modeled figure stands upon an elaborate lotus throne and is framed by a radiant sculptural halo. Detailed jewelry, patterned robes, expressive faces and extensive gilded metalwork demonstrate the highly specialized craftsmanship associated with Nepalese and Tibetan Buddhist sculpture.
At an exceptional 7 feet 4 inches tall, this oversized Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara has the architectural scale and commanding presence of an important temple or ceremonial sculpture. It can serve as a significant focal point in a meditation room, private collection, grand entry, gallery, cultural institution or sophisticated contemporary interior devoted to Asian and Himalayan art.
The sculpture was designed in multiple fitted sections and can be carefully disassembled to facilitate professional packing, transportation and installation. Despite its monumental dimensions, this modular construction makes domestic shipping considerably more manageable.
Created by Shanta Kumar Shakya, a Nepalese artist recognized for traditional metal sculpture and representations of Buddhist deities. Provenance from the Estate of Richard C. Blum further contributes to the history and significance of this singular work.
A rare opportunity to acquire a monumental 24K gold-gilded copper Avalokiteshvara statue combining traditional Nepalese metal casting, Tibetan Buddhist iconography, polychrome hand-painting and extraordinary sculptural scale.
Located in Los Angeles. Professional art handling and installation are recommended.
Listing details
- Artist: Shanta Kumar Shakya
- Date: Circa 1980
- Period: Late 20th century
- Origin: Nepal
- Materials: Cast copper alloy, 24K gold gilding and acrylic polychrome decoration
- Style: Nepalese, Tibetan Buddhist, Himalayan
- Dimensions: 88 in. H × 60 in. W × 32 in. D
- Provenance: Estate of Richard C. Blum
- Condition: Good; wear consistent with age and use
- Construction: Made in fitted sections for professional packing and transportation
The Nepal Academy of Fine Arts identifies Shanta Kumar Shakya as a traditional sculptor and documents a metal sculpture by him titled Sahasrabhuj, supporting both the artist attribution and subject terminology. See less