White Tara is associated with longevity of life and
healing. The figure originated in Hinduism where
she was venerated as a Mother Goddess. By the
sixth century A.D. she had been incorporated
into Buddhism as a bodhisattva. Seated on a
lotus base in the dhyanasana position, Tara
holds the stem of a lotus blossom in both hands.
The left hand is held in kartari mudra and the
right in varada mudra. The head is crowned with
a five-point diadem, arranged in front of a high
chignon decorated with a gold finial. The
jewellery is elaborate and includes two circular
earrings with leaf-shaped attachments, two
strings of beads on the torso and another set
along the top of the dhoti. A celestial scarf runs
from the back of the lotus blossoms, around the
arms and finishes in an elegant flourish on either
side. The most charming feature of this piece is
the bodhisattva's facial expression. The head is
bent slightly to the viewer’s left and the eyes are
downcast in a gesture of meditation.
- (OF.018)
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