
Mark Rasmussen
International Director
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Sold for US$11,250 inc. premium
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International Director
西藏 十三/十四世紀 銅錯銀度母像
The modeling is compact, deliberate, and confident, clearly deriving from Pala idioms. So too does her more Indian face delicately embellished with silver inlay. Compare with an example sold at Christie's, 10 March 2012, lot 90.
The well-worn appearance of this sculpture, especially the face, indicates the Tara served as a special object of veneration. Through centuries of prolonged ritual rubbing the raised features are barely discernible and the surface has achieved a smooth buttery patina.
A curious element of this sculpture is the head of Buddha Amitabha projecting from the top of her coiffure. While it is common for him to appear at the apex of thangkas of Tara, sculptural examples are very rare.
Referenced:
HAR - himalayanart.org/items/33037
Provenance:
Private New York Collection
Acquired from Emporium Antique Shop Ltd, 2000