The goddess Tara - Lot 121

The goddess Tara Nepal, circa 17th century Wood with significant polychrome remains. H. 43 cm The goddess traditionally rests on a double lotiform base in the attitude of relaxation, ardhaparyanka, the right hand making the gesture of giving, varada-mudra. The left hand raised in the gesture of argumentation, vitarka-mudra, and probably originally held the stem the stem of a lotus flower. A small representation of a stupa on the top of his skull rests against his jata-mukutha. Although representations of Tara in ardhaparyanka are generally considered to represent "green Tara", the various layers of polychromy that remain and the unusual stupa may suggest that this is more likely to be one of the one of the 21 traditional aspects of the goddess, whose colours whose colors and attitudes vary widely according to the traditions to which they belong. Provenance : - Christian Lequindre Collection (Paris) - Michel and Catherine Andrault Collection (Paris), acquired from previous owner in 2011 - de Baecque Drouot sale (Paris) , Michel and Catherine Andrault Catherine Andrault - June 26, 2018, lot 380 - Galerie Indian Héritage (Paris) - Private collection, Paris, acquired from previous