Central Asia, Tibet, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine hollow cast-brass votive statue of the goddess Tara (or Shyamatara), a mother and savior goddess who offers protection from all dangers, seated in the relaxed lalitsana position on a pedestal with a double row of petals. Additional lotus flowers flank her sides and support her foot that extends from the base, symbolizing her ability to stand up easily to assist those in need. She is adorned with necklaces, sashes, large earrings, and a flowing skirt drapes over her ankles, incised with leaf motifs. Upon her head is a jeweled tiara that retains inset semi-precious stones of turquoise and coral, and her hair is swept up in a topknot coiffure. Her face is incised with large, narrow eyes under gently arched browse and a third eye or ajana chakra. Tara's hands form the teaching dharmachakra mudra, gesturing her worshipers to listen, and this lovely devotional statue may have resided in a temple or shrine. Size: 7.5" L x 7" W x 11.5" H (19 cm x 17.8 cm x 29.2 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, his tears formed a lake from which a lotus sprung. When the lotus opened, the goddess Tara was within. Shyamatara or the Green Tara protects believers from the eight great dangers - lions, elephants, snakes, fire, thieves, water, demons, and prisons or the government. 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.
Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection; ex-Henry Endicott Stebbins collection
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
#170856
Condition
Pinhole perforations and casting imperfections. Chips and missing 2 stone inlays. Minor surface nicks and chips to high pointed areas and scattered mineral and earthen deposits across the surface. Hollow interior with no infill.