Page 102 - Himalayan Art Macrh 19 2018 Bonhams

3038
A GILT COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF SEVEN-EYED TARA
NEPAL, 16TH CENTURY
Himalayan Art Resources item no.61556
8 1/4 in. (21 cm) high

$30,000 - 50,000
尼泊爾 十六世紀 銅鎏金七目度母像

Known for bestowing longevity, White Tara is actively worshipped in all schools of Tibetan
Buddhism (second only in popularity to Avalokiteshvara) and is also found in Nyingma
and Sarma tantric practices. Her seven eyes (three on her face, and one on each palm
of her hands and feet) allow her to see beings in all realms of existence, while her facial
expression conveys the utmost compassion for them. Although she shares the same
hand mudras as Green Tara, the two deities can be differentiated by their posture, with
White Tara seating cross-legged and Green Tara in royal ease.

White Tara’s hands, feet, and muscled limbs are beautifully modeled. This charming
bronze is thickly cast and richly gilt, with a waisted lotus base consistent with Newari
production. Another Tara likely originating from the same workshop, in the Collection of
T. Christmas Humphreys Esq. Q.C., was exhibited in The Tibetan Tradition, The Artist
Own Gallery, December 1965, and published in Cintamani Kara, Indian Metal Sculpture,
London, 1952, p.14, no.10. The volume of the figure, treatment of the face, and heavy
beaded jewelry are similar to a 16th-century parcel-gilt silver Ushnishavijaya in Heller,
Tibetan Art, p.196, no.105, and another example sold at Bonhams, New York, 14 March,
2016, lot 1 and Christie’s, London, 14 May 2013, lot 136.

Provenance
Private Collection, Europe

100 | BONHAMS