Country Group:

Item id: 10779

16-18thC Copper repousse Tibetan Bodhisattva-Tara. It has some loss and damage due to time and possible fire or other destruction. I’ve seen a number of sculptures like this that had reportedly gone through the tearing down of the monasteries in Tibet by the Chinese in the 1950s and/or the monasteries in Mongolia in the 1920s. This one is actually in much better shape than many others as it is mostly complete. Other than a ding in the tip of the nose, the face is in very good condition, with a beautifully expressive look on it. Please see the photos for a complete picture of the condition. It is structurally stable and sound, though it is not as solid as some other related sculptures. The arms are a little loose as are the” ribbons” that wrap around the arms, but the rest of the sculpture is quite solid. The arms do not appear to be at risk of coming off. The figure has denting and some minor tears in the copper, but is otherwise generally sound. The finesse to some of the design, including the banding around the headdress and the waist and the look of the face, as well as as the proportion of the head to the body suggest a pre-18th century dating, though it could be as late as 19th century.( 12.5"H x 10"W x 6.25"D ) - it comes with a separate matter metal piece that goes under underneath that helps it to stand more evenly . It originally had a separate base that was probably also copper. Deep inside the chest near the shoulders. There is some paper that looks like it may be part of an old scroll. It is hard to tell for sure what it is. There is an old collection number taped to the inside. The most striking and significant thing about this sculpture is the deep sense of joyful equanimity that radiates from the face. She seems pleased and amused, and absolutely fine, exactly where she sits. Weighs 4 pounds. A special piece..