Balinese golden figure of Tara, 18th Century CE - 19th Century CE
Gold
2 x 7.5
85g
3 oz
85g
3 oz
TAHER.008
This is a golden figure of standing Tara in Balinese style. Standing solemnly with a halo on her back, Tara is dressed in bodhisattva outlook, wearing a crown and flower...
This is a golden figure of standing Tara in Balinese style. Standing solemnly with a halo on her back, Tara is dressed in bodhisattva outlook, wearing a crown and flower earrings. Her keyura and clothing are elegant and expressive, showing her bare chest. Her left hand form the no fear mudra, her right the wish-granting mudra, testifying to her compassionate and merciful nature. There is an alms bowl in front of the figure, hinting at the possibility that it has been an altar piece. Tara is a completely enlightened buddha and having promised to appear in the form of a female bodhisattva and goddess for the benefit of all beings she especially protects from the eight fears. As a merciful protector of all people, Tara is second in popularity only to Avalokiteshvara. Among the many manifestations of Tara, white and green are the most commonly depicted forms. Among them, Green Tara is primarily associated with protection. She is revered and worshipped as she guards sentient beings from unfortunate events and evil deeds. This elegant figure of Green Tara, forming a fear-not mudra, grants her followers a sense of security and reliance, embracing them with her feminine power.