Gilt bronze figure “Tara”, Nepal, 19th century

The deity is arranged in a static frontal posture, drawing a soft contrapposto thanks to the inclined position of the hips and the flexion/extension of the arms, drawing a sinuous line that breaks the verticality of the composition. The face is gentle, with a serene expression. The goddess “Tara”, supreme Buddhist savior, bestows her blessing with her left hand extended, and the right, raised and flexed. 

She wears a long dothi tied at the waist, leaving her chest bare but adorned with fine jewels. From the shoulder hangs a long ribbon on which is arranged, at the elbow, a large lotus branch in bloom. The hair is completely gathered in a high bun, crowned by an ornate spiked tiara flanked by two large earrings that adorn the long ears. 

In Vajrayana Buddhism, Tara is often presented as the spiritual counterpart of Avalokiteshvara and represents the role of compassionate protector. She appears in many forms, of which Sitatara (White Tara) with a lotus (padma), was the most popular.

Height: 24.5 cm

Weight: 907 g