Green Tara; Syamatara; Mother of Liberation
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This exquisite 45cm / 17.7" Green Tara statue represents the finest of Nepalese master craftsmanship—a pure copper hand-carved masterwork featuring traditional partial gold-gilding and the meticulous hand-carved details that distinguish true Himalayan art.
· Height: 45 cm / 17.7 inches
· Material: Pure copper with traditional partial gold-gilding
· Style: Green Tara in lalitasana posture with utpala lotus
· Origin: Masterwork hand-carved in 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 the swift compassion and enlightened activity of all Buddhas. 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. In Tibet, she is regarded as the active embodiment of compassion, the female aspect of Avalokiteshvara, and the mother of all Buddhas.
Seated in lalitasana—the posture of royal ease—upon a 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 fine brushwork, each one conveying awakened awareness that perceives all suffering and responds with immediate compassion.
The partial gold-gilding technique specified creates a stunning visual contrast that highlights the most sacred elements of the sculpture. Warm 24k gold is carefully applied to select areas—her crown, jewelry, lotus details, and the sacred implements—while the pure copper body is left exposed, allowing the natural warmth and character of the copper to shine through. This traditional technique, requiring exceptional skill, creates a harmonious interplay between the glowing gold accents and the rich, earthy tones of the copper, emphasizing the most spiritually significant elements of the deity.
Every element of this hand-carved masterwork reflects the extraordinary skill of the master artisan. 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 and highlighted with gold-gilding. 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 pure copper construction, with its warm, natural tones, will develop a rich, deep patina over time, adding character and depth to the sculpture while the gold-gilded areas maintain their radiant glow. This aging process is highly valued in Himalayan art, with well-preserved copper pieces developing a beautiful, warm complexion that enhances their sacred presence.
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.
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. This 45cm Green Tara masterwork represents that living heritage—a transmission of artistic tradition passed from master to disciple through countless generations, now embodied in a single perfect form. The combination of pure copper construction, traditional partial gold-gilding, 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.
