Green Tara
Nepal, 18th-19th century
height: 12cm
The Tara in this image has a stylised lotus on either side which identifies this
form as the Green Tara. Her right foot also rests on a lotus flower.
She wears an elaborate crown, ample jewellery and has a dhoti draped over
he knees which is etched with floral/foliage designs.
Overall, the image has a soft, brown patina and softened contours from
handling.
Tara is the most venerated female bodhisattva in Himalayan Buddhism and
can be invoked directly without the assistance of a lama. She is an emanation
of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, whose compassionate qualities she
shares. According to Himalayan legend, she first emerged from a lotus flower
which grew in a lake formed by Avalokitesvara’s tears.
One of her incarnations was princess Bhrikuti, the Nepalese wife of the
seventh century Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo who is credited with bringing
Buddhism to Tibet and Tibetans associate the Green Tara with this
incarnation. Another is believed to be the other of Songtsen Gampo’s wives,
Wen Cheng, who is associated with the White Tara.
Inventory no.: 530
Nepal, 18th-19th century
height: 12cm
The Tara in this image has a stylised lotus on either side which identifies this
form as the Green Tara. Her right foot also rests on a lotus flower.
She wears an elaborate crown, ample jewellery and has a dhoti draped over
he knees which is etched with floral/foliage designs.
Overall, the image has a soft, brown patina and softened contours from
handling.
Tara is the most venerated female bodhisattva in Himalayan Buddhism and
can be invoked directly without the assistance of a lama. She is an emanation
of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, whose compassionate qualities she
shares. According to Himalayan legend, she first emerged from a lotus flower
which grew in a lake formed by Avalokitesvara’s tears.
One of her incarnations was princess Bhrikuti, the Nepalese wife of the
seventh century Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo who is credited with bringing
Buddhism to Tibet and Tibetans associate the Green Tara with this
incarnation. Another is believed to be the other of Songtsen Gampo’s wives,
Wen Cheng, who is associated with the White Tara.
Inventory no.: 530