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Tashilhunpo Monastery: Green Tara
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Tashilhunpo Monastery: Green Tara
CHINA, Tibet, Shigatse; 14th–15th century; Gilt copper alloy; H: 100 cm
Various semi-precious stones are inlaid into the jewelry Tara wears. This includes a five-leaf crown about a stylized topknot, long ear ornaments, and a heavy necklace from which pendants are suspended. Stoles a bit wider than ribbons cross the chest and wind round the arms, and long braids of hair cover the shoulders. The figure sits in a Tibetan position, with legs bent but not crossed, on a wide lotus throne. The green form of Tara in Vajrayana Buddhism is seen as a savior from various calamities. Her left hand is raised in a mudra while the right hand falls across one bent knee in the same mudra. |
