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This graceful sculpture is ornamented with inlaid turquoise and other semiprecious stones. Tara’s lower garment is finely incised and the double-lotus throne on which she sits is gilded. Her slightly downturned face is that of a young girl, as is described in the texts that relate to her practices.
Green Tara
OriginTibet
Date15th century
Dimensions5 3/8 × 3 1/2 × 3 3/8 in.
MediumSilver, gilt copper alloy with inlaid semi-precious stones
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2005.16.45
Himalayan Art Resources Number65468
DescriptionThis jewel of a sculpture portrays the most popular and widely venerated female deity in Himalayan Buddhist culture, Green Tara. She is said to represent the activities of all the buddhas, and the invocation formula, or mantra, addressed to her is known by most practitioners of Tibetan Buddhist traditions in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, and beyond. She is usually depicted seated with her right leg pendant, her foot supported by a flower stool, and with her right hand in the gesture of granting wishes and blessings and her left hand holding the stem of a flower. She is believed to be quick to aid and protect the devoted seeking her help.This graceful sculpture is ornamented with inlaid turquoise and other semiprecious stones. Tara’s lower garment is finely incised and the double-lotus throne on which she sits is gilded. Her slightly downturned face is that of a young girl, as is described in the texts that relate to her practices.
Not on view
17th century
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19th century
19th century
15th century
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