Origin: China. Circa: early 20th century
H 6.5 in.(16cm) W 4 in.(10cm) D 2.25 in.(5.7cm)
Abrasion, gilt loss, overall in good Condition
This
Goddess of Long Life White Tara is seated in lotus posture on a raised lotus throne.
She is painted in cold gold, wearing a large crown, hands in teaching gesture
(Dhyana mudra ), holding two Lotus flowers that mounted above her shoulders, and
framing her elongate torso. The Goddess is dressed in a pleated dhoti with strands
of pearls and arm bands. The charming details of her youthful face, her large
almond-shaped eyes and urna, long, narrow nose are features that reflect her non-Chinese
origin.
There
are twenty-one forms of Tara. The two most important forms are Green Tara and
White Tara. Tara is a female Buddha and meditation deity, born from a compassionate
tear of Avalokitesavara. Her name, "tar", is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "to
cross over", as she is one who helps sentient beings to cross over the ocean of
samsara. Tara was introduced into Tibet in the seventh century, and became the
venerated goddess in China since Ming Dynasty.