White Tara

Place of ManufactureAsia

MediumMaterial: copper; gilt

DimensionsOverall: 30.3 x 21 x 15 cm

ClassificationsDECORATIVE ART

Credit LineAnonymous Gift

Object number1990.026.003

DescriptionWhite Tara is the Buddhist patroness of Tibet. The Chinese queen of the seventh century Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, is considered an incarnation of her. According to tradition, Tara sprang from the right eye of Avalokitesvara in the form of a tear.

She has seven eyes (three on her face and one on each of her palms and soles). The eyes, which symbolize the vigilance of her compassion, enable her to see and save all beings from misery. Her right hand makes the gesture of charity (vara mudra) and her left hand makes the gesture of the "three jewels" as well as holds the stem of a white lotus.

This graceful statue depicts the White Tara seated on a lotus base. The usual lotus above her left shoulder is missing

Status

Not on view