A GILT-COPPER REPOUSSÉ FIGURE OF TARA, TIBETAN-CHINESE, 18TH-19TH CENTURY

拍品描述

A GILT-COPPER REPOUSSÉ FIGURE OF TARA, TIBETAN-CHINESE, 18TH-19TH CENTURY Finely modeled seated in rajalilasana on a double-lotus base, with the right hand lowered and the left raised before the chest, both held in vitarka mudra. The goddess is clad in a diaphanous dhoti, the legs draped in a mantle with finely incised hems and folds gathering between the feet, while the torso is richly adorned with beaded jewelry inlaid with turquoise and coral, framed by a billowing shawl fastened at the right arm. Her face bears a serene yet somewhat austere expression, defined by almond-shaped eyes beneath gently arched brows, an aquiline nose, and bow-shaped lips forming a subtle smile, all flanked by pierced earlobes suspending loose hoop earrings. Expert’s note: Examination of the interior reveals the sophisticated repoussé construction of this sculpture. The upper body, including the abdomen, was made separately and joined to the lower section just above the waistband of the skirt, while seams extending from behind the ears toward the shoulders indicate that the head and neck were likewise formed from separate sections. These observations correspond closely with the construction recorded in the published description of the present figure. The goddess’s broad, angular shoulders, lightly indicated breasts, firmly modeled limbs, unusually large feet, and elongated toes lend the figure an almost masculine physical presence. The publication identifies the figure as sGrol-ma (Tārā), while cautiously suggesting sGrol-ljan (Śyāma-Tārā) with a question mark. Significantly, it acknowledges that the precise manifestation of Tārā cannot be established with certainty, particularly as the flowers once associated with the shoulders are no longer preserved. The broader identification as Tārā should therefore be retained. Dimensions: Height 16.8 cm Tara is honored throughout the Himalayan region as a compassionate and protective female Buddha, deeply woven into Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Regarded as the Mother of all Buddhas, she embodies the swift and nurturing qualities of divine feminine energy, and is revered in monasteries, family shrines, and rituals, where devotees seek her blessings for safety, prosperity, and liberation from suffering. Closely associated with Avalokiteshvara—who holds a central place in the Tibetan and Chinese Buddhist pantheon—Tara is also embraced as a guardian deity who responds instantly to prayers. Her presence bridges the cultural and spiritual currents of Nepal, making her a guiding figure for both monastic practitioners and lay communities alike. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams London, 7 October 2014, lot 278 Mid-Estimate: GBP 2,250 or approx. EUR 3,800 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject, modeling, and gilding. Note the similar size (20 cm).

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