A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF GREEN TARA, NEPAL, 18TH... Lot n° 296

A COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF GREEN TARA, NEPAL, 18TH - 19TH CENTURY Seated in lalitasana with each hand holding a lotus stem coming to full bloom at the shoulder. Wearing a sheer dhoti secured by a floral belt and richly adorned with beaded jewelry. Her serene face with downcast eyes and bow-shaped lips forming a benevolent smile. The hair arranged in a high chignon topped by a foliate finial behind the five-leaf tiara. Provenance: From a private collection in Belgium. Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, casting flaws, and few small nicks. Fine, naturally grown, dark patina. Weight: 195.6 g Dimensions: Height 8.4 cm Green Tara, also known as Shyamatara, is venerated as a savior and liberator from samsara, the earthly realm of birth and rebirth. According to Buddhist mythology, Green Tara emerged from a lotus bud rising from a lake of the tears of Avalokiteshvara, shed for the suffering of all sentient beings. She embodies compassion in a dynamic form, hence the usual depiction of the goddess with right leg outstretched, ready to leap out to ease suffering. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related bronze figure in the National Museum, Wroclaw, illustrated in a statement on new acquisitions by the museum in 2017. Note that this lot is dated 15 th-16 th century.