Page 26 - Bonhams March 22 2022 Indian and Himalayan Art NYC

Few sculptures can achieve the sensitivity and elegance seen in the present Tara, a pinnacle of
Newari artistic expression. The artist has masterfully rendered the fleshiness of the face and
torso, the sinuous floral stem intertwined with her arm, as well as the complex jewelry with
delicate inlays. Although notably smaller, a gilt bronze figure of Manjushri Namasangiti of the
same caliber formerly in the Maitri Collection (fig.4; Bonhams, New York, 20 March 2018, lot
3203), also conveys the consummate quality of Early Malla masterpieces. The detailed rendition
of the hands and the subtle flexion of the knuckled fingers are shared by the Henss Tara and
the Maitri Namasangiti, as is the sumptuous jewelry inset with semi-precious stones – a
distinctive feature of the Early Malla style that is rarely seen in sculptures before the 12th
century. On the other hand, a Green Tara also formerly in the Maitri Collection (fig.5; Bonhams,
New York, 20 March 2018, lot 3204) serves as a perfect foil for enumerating the superlative
qualities of the present version. Comparing the Maitri Tara, one notices the perfect proportions
of the Henss Tara, especially with her fuller breasts and slimmer biceps. The softer, feminine
contours of her face also stand out. The treatment of the Henss Tara’s jewelry is noticeably
more refined, as is the more naturalistic rendition of the folds in front of her legs. The
comparison helps to further demonstrate the many ways in which the present Tara is a flawless
Early Malla Newari masterpiece and is therefore, by extension, one of the finest sculptural
representations of the goddess from any style, region, or period.

Fig.4 Fig.5
A Gilt Copper Figure of Manjushri Namasangiti A Copper Figure of Syamatara
Nepal, 13th/14th Century Nepal, 14th Century
6 1/4 in. (15.8 cm) high 8 1/4 in. (21 cm) high
Bonhams, New York, 20 March 2018, lot 3203 Bonhams, New York, 20 March 2018, lot 3204

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