This exceptional 36cm / 14.2" Green Tara statue represents the pinnacle of Nepalese master craftsmanship—a pure copper hand-carved masterwork created using ancient traditional techniques by the renowned master artist PaTam, featuring complete 24k gold-gilding, exquisite hand-painted mineral pigments, genuine gemstone inlay, and the "lifelike" expression that distinguishes a true masterpiece of Himalayan art .
· Height: 36 cm / 14.2 inches
· Material: Pure copper with complete 24k gold-gilding, hand-painted mineral pigments, and genuine gemstone inlay
· Style: Green Tara in lalitasana posture with utpala lotus
· Origin: Masterwork hand-carved in Nepal, Kathmandu Valley by Master PaTam
· Ideal for: Meditation space, home altar, spiritual art collection, protection practice, museum-quality collection
Green Tara is the most beloved female deity in Himalayan Buddhist tradition, embodying the swift compassion and enlightened activity of all Buddhas. According to a beloved Tibetan story, she arose from the tears of Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, as he wept seeing the suffering of beings—his tears transforming into lotus blossoms from which Tara manifested, vowing to help him liberate all beings from suffering . 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 enlightened compassion, always ready to arise and help those in need .
Seated in lalitasana—the posture of royal ease—upon a magnificent double-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 muddy waters of samsara .
Her "lifelike" expression specified in the request is rendered with exceptional artistry—downcast eyes that gaze upon all beings with unconditional love, a gentle smile radiating the warmth of enlightened activity, and the three eyes (including the wisdom eye in her forehead) conveying awakened awareness that perceives all suffering and responds with immediate compassion. The face is exquisitely sculpted with the refined features characteristic of masterwork Himalayan art: arched brows, a delicate nose, and full lips curved in a serene smile that brings the deity to life .
Genuine gemstones are hand-set throughout the sculpture—in the five-jewel crown adorning her head, the earrings grazing her shoulders, the necklaces resting against her chest, the armlets encircling her upper arms, the bracelets adorning her wrists, and the anklets decorating her feet . Each stone is carefully selected and individually placed by Master PaTam, catching light from every angle and adding to the statue's radiant, sacred presence. Traditional materials including turquoise, coral, lapis lazuli, and other precious stones are incorporated, their rich colors complementing Tara's golden-green form.
The complete 24k gold-gilding adds radiant luminosity to the entire sculpture. Multiple layers of pure gold are carefully applied using traditional mercury-gilding techniques, creating a warm, glowing surface that catches light and draws the eye to Tara's serene presence. This full gold finish ensures the deity shines with maximum splendor from every angle, the gold providing a brilliant backdrop that makes the gemstone inlay sparkle with enhanced brilliance .
The ancient technique used in crafting this piece follows time-honored methods preserved in the Kathmandu Valley for centuries. The lost-wax process, detailed hand-chasing, and careful application of gold-gilding, mineral pigments, and gemstone inlay have been executed with exceptional precision by Master PaTam, a renowned artist whose works are considered classic and museum-quality .
The double-lotus throne beneath her features layers of individually carved petals—each petal precisely shaped, their tips slightly curled, creating a throne of sacred beauty. The upper layer of petals faces upward, representing liberation, while the lower layer faces downward, symbolizing compassion descending to benefit all beings. The utpala lotus at her shoulder is carved with gracefully curling stems, its blossoms opening in perfect symmetry .
Every element of this hand-carved masterwork reflects the extraordinary skill of Master PaTam. The elaborate five-jewel crown adorning her head represents the five wisdoms, each jewel rendered with crisp definition and enhanced by gemstone inlay. Long silk ribbons cascade from her crown, their delicate folds carved with precision. Long earrings graze her shoulders, their gemstones catching light with every movement. Her slender waist and graceful proportions follow classical iconometric conventions that have been passed down through generations of master artisans .
According to traditional sources, Green Tara holds a uniquely important position in Himalayan Buddhist practice. She is considered the "Mother of All Buddhas" and the embodiment of their compassionate activity. Twenty-one forms of Tara are revered in the tradition, with Green Tara as the principal figure from whom all others emanate. Her mantra—"Om Tare Tuttare Ture Svaha"—is recited for protection, healing, and the removal of obstacles on the spiritual path. She is particularly associated with the activity of the buddhas, representing the swift, dynamic energy that responds instantly to the cries of beings .
Historically, Green Tara has been deeply revered throughout the Himalayan world. The Tibetan people traditionally regard the Tang dynasty Princess Wencheng, who married the Tibetan king and brought Buddhism to Tibet, as an incarnation of Green Tara, demonstrating the profound connection between Tara and the Tibetan people .
This 36cm Green Tara masterwork by Master PaTam serves as an inspired focal point for meditation spaces and home altars. Her lifelike presence creates a sacred atmosphere that nurtures compassion, calms the mind, and reminds us of the protective energy always available to those who call upon her. The combination of Master PaTam's renowned artistry, complete gold-gilding, genuine gemstone inlay, master-level carving, and the gracefully rendered form with extended leg and utpala lotus represents the finest in Himalayan sacred art—a timeless expression of the Mother of Liberation who responds instantly to all who call upon her.
