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11th Century Bronze Pala Image of White Tara browse these categories for related items... All Items: Archives: Pre 1492: item # 832476 Please refer to our stock # 1086 when inquiring.
Boran Asian Art Grays, 1-7 Davies Mews, Mayfair, London, W1 0044 (0)795 422 8735 Guest Book SOLD |
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Details: A beautiful and alluring example of an 11th century Pala White Tara probably from Kurkihar or Nalanda in Bihar. The voluptuous proportions of Tara's fully revealed figure reflect the full perfect body of youth and vitality. Her heavy regal ornaments stand out against her smooth, languorous form. Tara’s head supports rich locks of hair and the heavy crown of a Bodhisattva once inset with precious gems above her attractive face. Her bow shaped slanted eyebrows, curved and large almond shaped eyes, sharp nose and full mouth with pouting underlip are typical of the Pala sculptural style. Tara is holding a finely cast curving lotus stalk, with flowers in bud, fully open and already closed, representing the miraculous activity of the Buddhas of the past, present and future. In front of her full ample breasts, her raised left hand in which the lotus stalk is entwined is in the mudra of granting refuge in the three jewels of Buddhism – the Buddha (Teacher), the Dharma (Teaching) and the Sangha (Community). Her right hand would have been extended down in the boon granting gesture, with another eye in her palm symbolizing that her generosity is always accompanied by perfect wisdom. Tara’s long jewel chain, looped over her belt and hip sash below her wonderfully plump stomach, elegantly echo the sinuous curves of the figures thrice bent tribhanga pose. Pala images such as this one had a marked influence on early Nepalese and especially Central Tibetan art. Eastern India was considered the "heartland" of Buddhism since it was here that the historic Buddha, Gautama Shakyamuni, spent his life. Born at Lumbini, in the Terai of southern Nepal, he achieved his enlightenment at Bodh Gaya and then preached his first sermon at Sarnath. The rest of his long life was spent travelling and preaching in the region, and he finally died at Kushambi. Thereafter the region drew pilgrims from Buddhism's widest boundaries, all intent on travelling in his footsteps in the hope of achieving similar enlightenment. Buddhism has always attracted academic debate as the ancient texts were taught, discussed and reassessed. Around the 6th century the great monasteries of Nalanda and Kurkihar were established and their esoteric teachings attracted visitors who in turn disseminated their ideas in their own homelands. Naturally, as art schools were a well established, and now essential facet of Buddhism elsewhere, the great monasteries in the "heartland" of Buddhism had to be seen to be patrons of the finest, purest Buddhist art, producing images which would inspire and impress. The monasteries attracted artists to fulfill this need; travelling teachers and visiting pilgrims provided plenty of opportunity for their to work to be bought by enthusiastic patrons. The final flourishing of Buddhist art in India took place in 12th century Pala Empire, but was cut short at its pinnacle by the advance of Islam which finally overran Bihar and Bengal in the 13th century. According to Buddhist tradition, Tara was born from the compassionate tears of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. It is said that he wept as he looked upon the suffering of the world, and his tears formed a lake from which a lotus emerged. When the lotus opened, the goddess Tara was revealed. Tara is the goddess of universal compassion and represents virtuous and enlightened action. She is also said to bring about longevity, protect earthly travel, and guard her followers on their spiritual journey to enlightenment. Age: 11th Century. Height: 16.5cm.
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