WHITE TARA (SITATARA) WITH THE SEVEN EYES.
Tibet/Northeast India. Pala style; probably 12th c.

Bronze with inlays from silver and copper; residue of black patina. Sitting on a double lotus in padmasana; her right hand stretched out in the mudra of generosity; the left raised to her heart. She wears the seven-partite jewels of a Bodhisattva and a three-leaf crown. The silver inlays are in the jewels and as pearl row on the lotus base; which is closed underneath.

According to legend the White Tara is said to be the chinese Tang princess Wen Chang and was married as second consort to the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. She is said to have brought a large Buddha statue to Tibet; which is revered till today in the Jokhang temple. As White Tara she protects against all perils and grants longevity; as well as peace; prosperity; health and success. Weight 223g; height 9;6cm. Condition A/B.

Compare.
-G.-W. Essen/T.T. Thingo: Die G鰐ter des Himalaya; Buddhistische Kunst Tibets. M黱chen
1990; p. 59; no 115 und 116.
-B. Khanna; et al.: Human and Divine; 2000 Years of Indian Sculpture; 2000; no. 29.
Art trade; Van Ham.