Click
on above image for enlargement | Antique
Tibetan Bronze Buddha Statue Green
Tara
Circa: 17th-18th century
H 13.5 in.(34cm.), W 7 in.(17.5cm.), D 6 in.(15cm.)
Condition: Good, restorations There
are twenty-one forms of Tara. The two most important forms are Green Tara and
White Tara. She is a female Buddha and meditation deity. and was believed to be
born from the compassionate tear of Avalokitesavara. White Tara is the goddess
of long life; and Green Tara grants power to overcome obstructions, fears and
dangers. Her name "tar" is derived from Sanskrit, which means "to cross over",
one who helps sentient beings to cross over samsara (worldly existence). Tara
was introduced into Tibet in the seventh century, and became the most popular
goddess in Tibet ever since. Seated
in lalitasala on a double lotus throne, her pendent right foot supported on a
padma, her right hand in varada mudra and left hand in vitarka mudra, two lotus
flowers ornamenting her shoulders; she is wearing a pleated dhoti, single strand
of pearls, arm bands and necklace with foliate ornaments. In addition to the opened
base, there are restored openings in the back of her head and body, the jewel
stone inlaids that were once on her earrings, lotus flowers and her large crown
are also missing. Judging from the hand forged works and incised motifs, particularly
the goddess' silver tear-shaped urna, her large almond-shaped eyes and the tall
and narrow ridged nose, features that are reminiscent of Indian origin. With three
Tibetan characters engraved in the back of the statue, this Tara goddess is appeared
to be completely absent from Chinese influence; a possible indication that the
sculpture was created in 15th century or earlier. |