Object Details
Catalogue Note
A large 19th-century Nepalese Green Tara in bronze, retaining areas of historic gilding and a deep dark patina. Standing 68.5 cm high, the sculpture belongs to the Newar artistic tradition of the Kathmandu Valley and combines an elegant tribhanga posture with finely chased jewellery, crown and garment details.
Green Tara in the Newar tradition
Green Tara, or Shyamatara, is one of the principal female figures of Vajrayana Buddhism and is associated with compassion, protection and swift assistance. The standing pose, lotus stem, elaborate crown and jewellery follow established Himalayan iconography developed and refined by Newar metalworkers.
Bronze, gilding and surface
The figure is traditionally hollow cast in a copper-alloy bronze. Technical inspection shows a retained internal casting core, hand-finishing and chased ornament consistent with lost-wax manufacture. Protected recesses preserve traces of historic gilding, while exposed areas show dark patina, oxidation and wear. The exact gilding method is not asserted without instrumental material analysis.
Condition
Good antique condition with wear to the gilded surface, natural patina, oxidation and age-related surface variation. Please review the detailed photographs as an integral part of the condition description.
Details
- Subject: Green Tara / Shyamatara
- Origin: Nepal, Kathmandu Valley tradition
- Date: 19th century
- Material: Gilt bronze / copper alloy
- Dimensions: H 68.5 × W 28 cm
- Weight: 7.2 kg
- SKU: 704
