The unusual appearance of freshness and high polish illuminates this Tara with ribbons of golden light. A bold and sensual design presents the goddess of mercy standing in pronounce tribhanga posture with hand-chased chignon, jeweled earrings and necklace, wearing a short clinging garment which is incised with floral decoration, holding an open lotus in her left hand and standing on a lotus base. Her right hand is extended in katakamukha mudra, her gaze cast downward toward the world of suffering sentient beings. Her beautiful face, with full lips curved in a slight smile, adds to the sumptuous appeal of this gleaming bronze. --R.W.