This exquisite 33cm / 13" Green Tara statue represents the refined artistry of Nepalese master craftsmanship—a skillfully hand-carved pure copper masterwork featuring complete 24k gold-gilding using ancient traditional mercury-gilding technique.
· Height: 33 cm / 13 inches
· Material: Pure copper with complete 24k gold-gilding (ancient mercury-gilding method)
· Style: Green Tara in lalitasana posture with utpala lotus on lotus throne
· Origin: Hand-carved masterwork from Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
· Ideal for: Meditation space, home altar, spiritual art collection, protection practice
Green Tara is the most beloved female deity in Himalayan Buddhist tradition, embodying swift compassion and enlightened activity. As the "Mother of Liberation," she is known for her quick response to prayers, removing obstacles and saving beings from fear and danger. Her green color symbolizes the active, youthful energy of compassion, always ready to arise and help those in need.
Seated in lalitasana—the posture of royal ease—upon a lotus throne, her right leg gracefully extended, symbolizing her readiness to rise and spring into action to protect beings from danger. Her right hand rests on her knee in varada mudra (the gesture of supreme giving), bestowing blessings and fulfilling the wishes of those who call upon her. Her left hand, held gracefully at her heart, cradles the stem of a blue utpala lotus that blossoms at her shoulder, representing purity emerging from the world.
The lotus throne beneath her features layers of individually carved petals—each petal precisely shaped, their tips slightly curled, creating a throne of sacred beauty.
Her serene expression embodies the perfect balance of peaceful compassion and dynamic readiness—downcast eyes that gaze upon all beings with unconditional love, a gentle smile radiating the warmth of enlightened activity. The three eyes (including the wisdom eye in her forehead) are rendered with fine detail, each one conveying awakened awareness that perceives all suffering and responds with immediate compassion.
The ancient traditional mercury-gilding technique used in crafting this piece follows time-honored methods preserved in the Kathmandu Valley for centuries. This complex process involves carefully applying a mixture of gold and mercury to the copper surface, then heating the piece until the mercury evaporates, leaving behind a permanent layer of pure 24k gold. Multiple layers are applied to achieve exceptional depth and luminosity.
The complete 24k gold-gilding adds radiant luminosity to the entire sculpture. Multiple layers of pure gold are carefully applied using traditional techniques, creating a warm, glowing surface that will endure for generations. This full gold finish ensures the deity shines with consistent splendor from every angle.
Every element of this hand-carved masterwork reflects dedicated artistry. The elaborate five-jewel crown adorning her head represents the five wisdoms, each jewel rendered with crisp definition. Long silk ribbons cascade from her crown, their delicate folds carved with precision. Long earrings graze her shoulders, symbolizing her balanced awareness of all realms. Elaborate jewelry adorns her form: necklaces, armlets, bracelets, and anklets—all rendered with meticulous attention. Celestial silks drape gracefully over her shoulders, their flowing folds demonstrating mastery of classical techniques.
The utpala lotus at her shoulder is carved with gracefully curling stems, its blossoms opening in perfect symmetry. The three flowers—one in full bloom, one budding, and one ready to open—represent the past, present, and future Buddhas.
According to traditional sources, Green Tara holds a uniquely important position in Buddhist practice. She is considered the "Mother of All Buddhas" and the embodiment of their compassionate activity. Her mantra—"Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha"—is recited for protection, healing, and the removal of obstacles on the spiritual path.
For more than a millennium, the Kathmandu Valley has nurtured a living lineage of metal sculptors who have preserved the traditions of ancient lost-wax creation and mercury-gilding. This 33cm Green Tara masterwork represents that living heritage—a timeless expression of the Mother of Liberation who responds instantly to all who call upon her.
