The tutelary goddess Tara in her green manifestation is seated in ardhaparyanka on a double lotus throne, raised by a stepped pedestal, her right leg below the level of the seat on a small lotus pedestal (karni-kapitha) placed at an angle, her right hand is held upwards in an abhayamudra (gesture of encouragement), her left hand grasps the stem of a lotus with two fingers, and a tendril-like lotus branch unfolds its blossom on the left side of her shoulder. Parts of the garment are decorated with gold and chiselled blossoms. Dark bronze with traces of cold gold painting on the face. Traces of blue cult paint in the hair. The copper cover plate of the closed throne base is decorated with engraved visvavajra (double vajra). Dimensions Height 17.8 cm Literature For similar figures compare Museum Rietberg, Auf dem Pfad zur Erleuchtung, Die Tibet-Sammlung der Berti Aschmann-Stiftung im Museum Rietberg Zürich, Zürich 1995, p. 130f, no. 81 and p. 142, no. 89 Provenance Collection Dr. Ludwig Jansen (1919-2020), acquired at Schoettle Ostasiatica, Stuttgart, 15.3.1978 (invoice available) Notes VAT: Margin scheme