A Rare Silver and Copper Inlaid Bronze Figure of Tara

NORTHEASTERN INDIA, PALA PERIOD, 12TH CENTURY

Details

A Rare Silver and Copper Inlaid Bronze Figure of Tara
Northeastern India, Pala Period, 12th Century
Very finely cast seated in rajalilasana on a double-lotus base, her pendent right leg supported by a separate padma, two lotus stalks rising to flank her shoulders, her face slightly tilted in a benign expression with silver inlaid eyes and urna and copper lips, wearing a dhoti inlaid with dots of silver and copper, a silver necklace and anklets, the base sealed with copper plate.
4 7/8 in. (12.3 cm.) high

Lot Essay

This is a delightfully executed bronze displaying all the grace and technical refinement of a Pala bronze, of comparatively large size, the beaded rims well rounded, the dhoti and jewelry elaborately inlaid in silver and copper and with an animated expression. The sealed base and remains of cold gilding along the hairline indicate that this sculpture passed through Tibet.

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