Stone Figure of Green Tara

Nepal, 16th century

Dimensions: H: 11.5 cm 

16th-century Green Tara stone sculpture from Nepal.
Tara is seated on a lotus pedestal with her body in the lalitasana (“royal seat”) position. Her right foot rests on a lotus flower, a dynamic movement symbolizing her readiness to come to the aid of others. Her right hand forms a varada mudra (‘gesture of generosity’) and her left hand a vitarka mudra (‘circle of infinite teaching and learning’). Her body is slender and very feminine, wearing numerous necklaces and bangles; on her head she wears an ornate crown and heavy earrings, all symbolizing her spiritual purity and exalted position. Behind her, there are lotus blossoms and a leaf-shaped mandorla.