One of a kind pieces. A tree planted with every order
Date: Circa late 19th to early 20th century
Geography: Tibet
Culture: Tibetan
Dimensions: 40cm H x 18cm W x 11cm D
Weight: 3.116kg
Material: Brass (high-zinc)
Condition: Good for its age, see photos
A hand-cast brass statue of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion and patron deity of Tibet. Cast in high-zinc brass, the figure is regarded as an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, who watches over the world until the coming of the future Buddha, Maitreya.
Iconography and symbolism
Every detail of this statue serves as a guide towards enlightenment:
Crown and jewellery: represent spiritual kingship and the wealth of a mind mastered through wisdom.
Parasol (chhatra): an auspicious symbol offering protection from suffering and the “shade of wisdom”.
Lotus: as Padmapani (“Lotus-in-Hand”), Chenrezig holds a lotus, which rises pure from muddy waters, symbolising the ability to remain untouched by the world’s suffering.
Mudra and posture: the hand extended downwards in Varada Mudra signifies generosity and the granting of wishes. The figure sits in Vajraparyankasana (the diamond or full lotus posture) on a lotus throne, representing the union of wisdom and stability.
The sealed base
The statue has a sealed base, which indicates it has likely undergone the rabne consecration ceremony. In this ritual, a lama fills the hollow interior with sacred scrolls, mantras and incense to invite the deity’s presence, before sealing the base with a metal plate, often engraved with a vishvavajra (double vajra). A consecrated statue is regarded not simply as art, but as a living focus for worship.
The power of the mantra
Chenrezig is the source of the best-known Tibetan mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, often translated as “Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus”. Reciting it is believed to purify karma and bring body, speech and mind into harmony with Buddha nature.
Whether used as a focus for meditation or as a sacred addition to a shrine, this statue embodies the peaceful, protective qualities of universal compassion.
As with all our antique pieces, this statue is one of a kind, and natural variations in patina, casting texture and surface wear should be expected as part of its authentic character and history. Dimensions and weight are approximate.
Date: Circa late 19th to early 20th century
Geography: Tibet
Culture: Tibetan
Dimensions: 40cm H x 18cm W x 11cm D
Weight: 3.116kg
Material: Brass (high-zinc)
Condition: Good for its age, see photos
A hand-cast brass statue of Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara), the Bodhisattva of Infinite Compassion and patron deity of Tibet. Cast in high-zinc brass, the figure is regarded as an emanation of the Buddha Amitabha, who watches over the world until the coming of the future Buddha, Maitreya.
Iconography and symbolism
Every detail of this statue serves as a guide towards enlightenment:
Crown and jewellery: represent spiritual kingship and the wealth of a mind mastered through wisdom.
Parasol (chhatra): an auspicious symbol offering protection from suffering and the “shade of wisdom”.
Lotus: as Padmapani (“Lotus-in-Hand”), Chenrezig holds a lotus, which rises pure from muddy waters, symbolising the ability to remain untouched by the world’s suffering.
Mudra and posture: the hand extended downwards in Varada Mudra signifies generosity and the granting of wishes. The figure sits in Vajraparyankasana (the diamond or full lotus posture) on a lotus throne, representing the union of wisdom and stability.
The sealed base
The statue has a sealed base, which indicates it has likely undergone the rabne consecration ceremony. In this ritual, a lama fills the hollow interior with sacred scrolls, mantras and incense to invite the deity’s presence, before sealing the base with a metal plate, often engraved with a vishvavajra (double vajra). A consecrated statue is regarded not simply as art, but as a living focus for worship.
The power of the mantra
Chenrezig is the source of the best-known Tibetan mantra, Om Mani Padme Hum, often translated as “Hail to the Jewel in the Lotus”. Reciting it is believed to purify karma and bring body, speech and mind into harmony with Buddha nature.
Whether used as a focus for meditation or as a sacred addition to a shrine, this statue embodies the peaceful, protective qualities of universal compassion.
As with all our antique pieces, this statue is one of a kind, and natural variations in patina, casting texture and surface wear should be expected as part of its authentic character and history. Dimensions and weight are approximate.
