Superbly cast, seated in lalitasana on a double lotus pedestal with a finely beaded rim, her right foot resting on a lotus blossom, her right hand lowered in varada mudra and her left raised in vitarka mudra, holding a lotus stem in each coming to full bloom at her shoulders, wearing a dhoti with exquisitely carved folds gathered at the feet and fastened at the waist by a beaded girdle. Her elaborate crown, necklaces, arm, and ankle bands are finely inlaid with precious stones.

Inscription: The reverse with a neatly incised six-character da Qing Yongzheng nianzhi appreciation mark.

Provenance: The private collection of Jules Speelman, London, United Kingdom. A Hungarian private collection, acquired from the above. A copy of the original expertise written and signed by Jules Speelman, confirming the dating above and stating the present figure was part of his private collection, accompanies this lot. Jules Speelman is a world-leading dealer and collector of East Asian art with 60 years of experience. In 1964 he joined his late father, Alfred, in the family business which already stretched back three generations to 19^th century Holland and expanded into England around the turn of the century. Originally, A & J Speelman dealt with antiques, from European ceramics, silver, tapestries, and furniture to Chinese porcelain, and works of art. With his father, Jules gradually shifted the focus towards Asia and under Jules Speelman's skilled direction, A & J Speelman is now considered amongst the foremost dealers in Asian antiques, with a particular emphasis on figurative sculpture and works of art from the past 2000 years.
Condition: Good condition with expected old wear. Minimal casting flaws, few minuscule nicks, slight rubbing to the gilt, some inlays lost and some possibly replaced. The base sealed.

Weight: 592.1 g
Dimensions: Height 13.5 cm

Tara is richly adorned in fine jewelry including a foliate crown framing the forehead, securing her high chignon with its lotus blossom finial and finely incised hair, falling down the side of her shoulders. Her elaborate necklaces are secured to the back by a sash and fall elegantly down the contours of her bare chest. Her serene face with downcast eyes, full lips forming a calm smile, and slender brows.

Green Tara, also known as Shyamatara, is venerated as a savior and liberator from samsara, the earthly realm of birth and rebirth. According to Buddhist mythology, Green Tara emerged from a lotus bud rising from a lake of the tears of Avalokiteshvara, shed for the suffering of all sentient beings. She embodies compassion in a dynamic form, hence the usual depiction of the goddess with right leg outstretched, ready to leap out to ease suffering. Her right hand is always held out in varada mudra, a gesture of compassion and charity, and the left hand in vitarka mudra, a gesture of teaching.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Christie’s New York, 15 September 2015, lot 47
Price: USD 81,250 or approx. EUR 98,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A gilt bronze figure of Tara, Tibet, 17^th century
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling, manner of casting, gilding, and especially the ornate jewelry with similar precious stone inlays. Note the size (18 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams London, 17 May 2018, lot 109
Price: GBP 37,500 or approx. EUR 60,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare gilt-bronze figure of the Green Tara, Tibet, 16^th century
Expert remark: Compare the related modeling, manner of casting, gilding, and inlays. Note the size (21 cm).

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