East Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. Hand-painted with rich jewel-tone hues and gold leaf, a large thangka depicting the Yellow Tara, at the center sitting above a blue body of water, the lake created by Avalokiteshvara's tears, and surrounded by four other deities, two Yellow Taras (associated with wealth and prosperity) and two White Taras (associated with longevity), positioned in the corners. Blooming foliage, the waters of Avalokiteshvara's tears, and billowing clouds in the skies above provide a magical setting, and the entire composition is surrounded by a lovely border of magenta and pink scroll motifs against a cobalt blue ground. Size: 31" W x 39.5" H (78.7 cm x 100.3 cm)
According to Buddhist teachings, Tara was born out of the tears of compassion of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who wept as he observed the suffering of worldly beings, and his tears formed a lake from which a lotus sprung. When the lotus opened, the goddess Tara was within. In Buddhism, Tara (Sanskrit for star) is a savior goddess. In Tibet, she is the most important deity and her name is Sgrol-ma or Shyamatara (she who saves). She is also popular in Nepal and Mongolia. Tara is the goddess of supreme compassion, said to be stronger than a mother's love for her children. In addition, Tara is said to bring about longevity, protect earthly travel, and guard followers on their spiritual journey to enlightenment.
Yellow Tara is associated with wealth, abundance, and prosperity, and White Tara, associated with longevity, counteracts illness, embodies the motivation that is compassion, and is said to be as radiant as the moon.
Provenance: private collection of the late Karming Wong; approximate date of acquisition: late 1970 to early 1980
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#155870
Condition
Minor cracking to painted areas and fraying to some peripheral threads, otherwise intact and very good. Nice remains of original pigment on obverse.