A SMALL GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF GREEN TARA

A SMALL GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF GREEN TARA Tibet, 18-19th century. Cast seated in lalitasana on a sealed double lotus base, issuing a small lotus flower supporting the deity’s right foot. The face shown with a compassionate expression and calm smile, hands folded in gestures of ‘Varada’ and ‘Abhaya’ Mudra, her robes richly adorned with beaded jewelry showing turquoise, carnelian and coral inlays and the arms are flanked by lotus blossoms. Tara, meaning ‘she who helps to cross’, is a protective deity portrayed as the female counterpart of Avalokiteshvara. She is said to have been born from Avalokiteshvara’s tears, as a peaceful sign of compassion – White Tara from his right eye and Green Tara from his left eye. White Tara embodies knowledge and purity while Green Tara is more dynamic, leaping out to save others. Condition: Good condition with some abrasions to the gilt, some inlays lost, the base and right hand replaced. Provenance: Hungarian private collection. Weight: 746 g Dimensions: Height 12.8 cm