Seated in Lalitasana, Green Tara’s face is depicted with compassionate, downcast eyes, surmounted by a multi-leafed crown, symbolising the five Dhyani Buddhas. The deity’s right foot would have been supported on a small lotus flower issuing from a double lotus pedestal beneath her, both are now missing. Her right hand is gesturing in Varada Mudra (depicting a gift bestowing sign of compassion and charity), and her left hand in Vitaka Mudra (depicting religious argument), in each hand she holds the stems of blue lotuses which flank her torso on either side.
Details
- Title : SYAMATARA
- Year : 20th century
- Classification : Sculpture
- Medium : Bronze
- Dimension : Height 18 3/8 in. (46.7 cm.)
- Accession No : GNM_LOT 10_PUN_41
- Country/ Geo-location : Nepal
- Collection : PUNDOLE’S
- Status : LIVE AUCTION The Fine and Decorative Arts Sale Including Property from the Estate of the late Laura Hamilton (M0006) (As per DEC 2021)
- ESTIMATED : ₹40,000 - ₹60,000
- SOLD : ₹160,000
- PROVENANCE : Property of a Lady
- NOTE : Tara, meaning 'she who helps to cross', is a protective deity portrayed as the female counterpart of Avalokiteshvara. There are various tales relating to the origin of Tara but one of the more common is that she appeared on a lotus flower on a lake formed by the tears of Avalokiteshvara. As a peaceful sign of compassion - White Tara appeared from the tears of his right eye and Green Tara from his left eye. White Tara embodies knowledge and purity while Green Tara is more dynamic, actively working in the manifest world to save others. In Tibetan Buddhism there are at least five different coloured Taras - green, white, red, yellow and blue - each representing a form that corresponds to the Five Dhyani Buddhas. Green Tara is associated with the Amoghasiddhi Buddha, who transforms the green poison of envy into the positive energy of wisdom.