Green Tara

This jewel of a sculpture portrays the most popular and widely venerated female deity in Himalayan Buddhist culture, Green Tara. She is said to represent the activities of all the buddhas, and the invocation formula, or mantra, addressed to her is known by most practitioners of Tibetan Buddhist traditions in Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, and beyond. She is usually depicted seated with her right leg pendant, her foot supported by a flower stool. Her right hand is in the gesture of granting wishes and blessings while her left hand holds the stem of an utpala lily flower. She is believed to be quick to aid and protect the devoted seeking her help.

This graceful sculpture is ornamented with inlaid turquoise and other semiprecious stones. Tara’s lower garment is finely incised, and the double-lotus throne on which she sits is gilded. Her slightly downturned face is that of a young girl, as is described in the texts that describe practices related to her worship.