This extraordinary 42cm / 16.5" Green Tara statue represents the absolute pinnacle of Nepalese master craftsmanship—a pure copper hand-carved masterwork created by a top master artisan, featuring complete 24k gold-gilding, exquisite hand-painted mineral pigments, an elaborately carved mandorla, and the meticulous fine craftsmanship that distinguishes a true masterpiece of Himalayan art.
· Height: 42 cm / 16.5 inches (including mandorla)
· Material: Pure copper with complete 24k gold-gilding and hand-painted mineral pigments
· Style: Green Tara in lalitasana posture with utpala lotus, ornate mandorla
· Origin: Top masterwork hand-carved in Nepal, Kathmandu Valley
· 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 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 exceptional precision, each one conveying awakened awareness that perceives all suffering and responds with immediate compassion.
The elaborate mandorla behind the deity is itself a masterpiece of Himalayan artistry. Intricately hand-carved with dynamic flame patterns, scrolling vegetation, and auspicious symbols, the mandorla represents the radiant light of enlightened activity that emanates from the Mother of Liberation. The flames symbolize her power to burn away all obstacles and fears, while the scrolling patterns represent the infinite reach of her compassion. Rising to a total height of 42cm, the mandorla frames Tara's graceful form in sacred splendor, creating a complete composition of exceptional presence.
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 hand-painted details employ natural mineral pigments applied according to classical formulas preserved within the master artisan's lineage. Her green body is applied in layers to create exceptional depth and luminosity, following classical iconographic conventions. The ornaments are highlighted with precision, the lotus petals painted in soft pinks and blues, and the face rendered with particular care—the downcast eyes conveying compassionate awareness, the gentle smile radiating the joy of liberation.
Every element of this hand-carved masterwork reflects the "top masterwork" and "fine craftsmanship" specifications. 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 rest against her chest, armlets encircle her upper arms, bracelets adorn her wrists, and anklets decorate her feet—all rendered with meticulous attention by the top master artisan. Celestial silks drape gracefully over her shoulders, their flowing folds demonstrating mastery of classical Himalayan techniques.
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.
The "fine craftsmanship" is evident in every detail:
· The precisely rendered folds of her celestial silks
· The perfectly formed varada mudra, each finger positioned with grace
· The individually carved lotus petals of the throne
· The intricate flame patterns of the mandorla
· The serene expression on her face, conveying both compassion and readiness
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.
For more than a millennium, the Kathmandu Valley has nurtured a living lineage of metal sculptors who have preserved the secrets of ancient lost-wax creation at the highest level. This 42cm Green Tara masterwork, with its elaborate mandorla, complete gold-gilding, and hand-painted details, represents that living heritage at its zenith—a top masterwork bearing the unmistakable hallmarks of master-level artistry: perfect proportions, crisp detailing, flawless finishing, and the serene presence that distinguishes true masterpieces from all ordinary production pieces. The combination of pure copper construction, complete 24k gold-gilding, master-level carving, hand-painted mineral pigments, 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.
