Page 20 - Bonhams March 22 2022 Indian and Himalayan Art NYC

“The Early Malla period witnessed the growth of a national consciousness in Nepal. It was a
remarkable era marked by the creation of a distinctive Nepali style of architecture. In sculpture
as well the works of the Malla period reflect a distinctly Nepali artistic consciousness... Overall
the figures of the Early Malla period have a soft and gentle expression, especially in the slightly
smiling faces, and exude a refined sensuousness that makes them particularly appealing.”
(ibid., p.85.)

A quintessential Newari beauty, the Henss Tara was created during this special artistic moment.
She can be comfortably located within the 13th century by drawing comparisons with iconic
sculptures and paintings of the time. The widely published gilt bronze figure of Durga slaying
the buffalo demon at the Rubin Museum of Art (fig.1; C2005.16.11) was cast during the same
period and shares several similarities with the present Tara. The ‘Rubin Durga’ is attributed to
the 13th century partially because its samkhapatras (the tail-ends of the ribbons appearing
above each ear that are used to fasten the crown) are more prominent than in Newari
sculptures produced before the 12th century, yet simpler than those from the 14th century,
which often display additional tassels (Vajracharya, Nepalese Seasons, 2016, pp.25, 132 &
138). The size and form of the present Tara’s samkhapatras are almost identical to the Rubin
Durga’s. The two goddesses, though one peaceful and one semi-wrathful, have faces so alike
that one would suspect they are sisters. Their slanted brows, handsome noses, and short,
plump lips are hallmarks of the Early Malla style. The two also share cascading tresses,
prominent earrings, and diaphanous dhotis with naturalistically rendered lavish pleats. The
chakra-like incised patterns seen on the lower garment of both the present Tara and the Rubin
Durga are also found on a 13th-century Nepalese Vasudhara in the Rubin Museum of Art
(C2007.23.1). The Rubin Durga is frequently identified by connoisseurs of Nepalese art as one
of the great masterpieces of Newari sculpture at its scale, and a close comparison of its style
and grace confirms the superlative quality of the present Tara.

Fig.1
Durga Killing the Buffalo Demon
(Durga Mahisasuramardini)
Nepal; 12th-13th century
Gilt copper alloy
Rubin Museum of Art
C2005.16.11 (HAR 65433)

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