Gilded bronze figure of “Tara,” Ming dynasty, with Yongle mark

Exceptional gilt bronze figure representing the Bodhisattva Tara. The deity is seated in rajalilasana on a double lotus throne, with her right hand in the varada mudra gesture on her knee, in a relaxed pose. She is dressed in rich clothing and profusely adorned with a crown, necklaces, and bracelets, many of them encrusted with turquoise. Her expression is serene, with narrowed eyes, a sharp nose, sealed lips, and long ears framing her face.

The piece, of refined workmanship, follows the style of the Sino-Tibetan imperial works of the Yongle period. The base is stamped and engraved with a visvavajra (double vajra). This characteristic style was partly inherited from Nepalese craftsmen brought to the imperial workshops during the Yuan dynasty, and partly due to the close ties established with Tibet by Emperor Yongle. 大明永乐年施

Height: 24.5 cm; Base size: 12.5 x 7.5 cm

Weight: 33128 g

Provenance:

· Current Dutch private collection.