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White Tara; Tibet; 15th century; brass; Rubin Museum of Art; C2005.16.34 (HAR 65457); Photograp…
White Tara
White Tara; Tibet; 15th century; brass; Rubin Museum of Art; C2005.16.34 (HAR 65457); Photograp…
White Tara; Tibet; 15th century; brass; Rubin Museum of Art; C2005.16.34 (HAR 65457); Photograph by Gavin Ashworth, Rubin Museum of Art, 2013

White Tara

OriginTibet
Date15th century
Dimensions12 × 8 5/8 × 6 3/4 in.
MediumBrass
Classification(s)
Credit LineRubin Museum of Art
Object numberC2005.16.34
Himalayan Art Resources Number65457
DescriptionWhite Tara is one of the three deities, along with Amitayus and Ushnishavijaya, associated with promoting long life. Considered the most popular of the female deities in all of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions, she is worshiped widely and is one of the most recognizable figures in Tibetan Buddhist images. She has three eyes on her face, the third located at the center of her forehead, and one eye on each of her palms. This sculpture, cast in one piece, is decorated with chased ornaments. A slight tilt of the head, favored by some artists working during this time period, animates the figure.