A VERY LARGE (117 CM) TURQUOISE-INLAID GILT-COPPER REPOUSSÉ FIGURE OF TARA, NEPAL, 18TH-19TH CENTURY OR EARLIER

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A VERY LARGE (117 CM) TURQUOISE-INLAID GILT-COPPER REPOUSSÉ FIGURE OF TARA, NEPAL, 18TH-19TH CENTURY OR EARLIER Expert’s note At 117 cm, the present repoussé figure is exceptional in scale even within this particular group. The continuation of the rocaille decoration indicates that the figure originally formed part of a substantially larger altar or temple ensemble. While Sotheby’s and earlier specialists have generally dated the work to the 19th century, the present author considers an earlier dating to the 17th–18th century more plausible. XRF analysis reveals notable quantities of zinc and lead in the copper, contrasting with the generally more highly refined copper encountered in many later repoussé works and suggesting a less refined metal source. Monumental repoussé figures and architectural temple decorations of this scale are moreover particularly associated with earlier large-scale ensembles, whereas later production increasingly favored smaller, independently constructed elements. Finally, the extensive turquoise inlays display considerable variation in condition, including pronounced natural discoloration and yellowing alongside stones of strong color. Taken together, the scale, original architectural context, metal composition, construction, and aged stone settings provide substantial evidence in favor of an earlier date. Finely worked in repoussé, the goddess standing in a gently flexed pose upon a sealed double-lotus pedestal supported on a long, sinuous foliate stem issuing scrolling leaves and terminating in a curled tendril. The deity’s right hand lowered in varada mudra and the left raised before the chest in prithvi mudra. She is clad in a diaphanous dhoti secured at the waist by a jeweled girdle, its long sash falling gracefully between the legs, and richly adorned with beaded jewelry. Extensive turquoise inlays embellish the elaborate crown, necklaces, girdle, and the sacred thread descending diagonally across the chest. The sensitively modeled face bears a serene and benevolent expression, with downcast almond-shaped eyes beneath gently arched brows, a slender nose, and full lips forming a subtle smile. Her hair is gathered beneath an elaborate foliate crown and framed by dense scrolling foliage which rises behind the figure to form an ornate flaming aureole. The back fitted with a large hook for mounting. Dimensions: Height 117 cm Literature comparison: Compare a related gilt-bronze figure of Green Tara with similar inlays to the girdle and crown, Nepal, dated 1500-1600, 48.25 cm high, in the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco, object number B60B160. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Christie’s New York, 30 March 2006, lot 170 Price: USD 156,000 or approx. EUR 226,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the related modeling, repoussé work, subject, and size (118 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 15 March 2017, lot 203 Price: USD 32,500 or approx. EUR 38,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the related modeling, repoussé work, and subject. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Bonhams New York, 17 March 2014, lot 27 Price: USD 185,000 or approx. EUR 227,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the related modeling and similar technique, subject. Note the smaller size (85 cm).

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