Gilt-bronze figure ‘Bodhisattva Tara’, Song style, Qing dynasty

Bronze sculpture with mercury gilding, representing the Bodhisattva Tara, the female deity of compassion and enlightenment.

The figure stands in tribhanga posture on a double lotus base, a symbol of purity and spiritual elevation. She has an elegant serene expression, her eyes half-closed with a jewel on her forehead, a symbol of transcendental wisdom, and her face is framed by an elaborate headdress crowned with a five-pointed crown. The crown, as well as the necklaces, belt and bracelets, are richly decorated with inlaid stones simulating turquoise, coral and lapis lazuli. The right hand is presented in the Varada Mudra gesture, with the palm open and the fingers extended downwards. The left hand performs the Vitarka Mudra, with the thumb and forefinger forming a circle while the other fingers are held erect. The clothing is finely modelled, falling in harmonious folds that fit the body in a naturalistic manner, following the aesthetic canons of the Song dynasty. The back of the sculpture features the traditional ritual cavity (also known as the consecration chamber), where relics or scrolls with mantras were originally deposited.

There is natural wear to the gilding and areas of oxidised patina, indicating its age. The work was made according to classical Song Dynasty models.

Height: 28 cm