PRINTPROVENANCE:
Private European Collection
Private European Collection
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644
A PALA PERIOD COPPER ALLOY FIGURE OF WHITE TARA
12th Century |
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H: 15 cm |
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Estimate
8,000,000 - 15,000,000 254,600 - 477,400 1,975,000 - 3,704,000
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Sold Price 7,800,000
243,826
1,893,204
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Catalogue Note
A Pala Period Copper Alloy Figure of White Tara
12th Century
This is a Pala style copper alloy figure of White Tara. The Pala Empire was an imperial power during the Late Classical period on the Indian subcontinent, which originated in the region of Bengal. It is named after its ruling dynasty, whose rulers bore names ending with the suffix of Pala. They were followers of the Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism. The Pala school of sculptural art is recognized as a distinct phase of the Indian art, and is noted for the artistic genius of adding a number of elements of the Buddhist school what later called by Japanese as Mikky. Because of the exquisite craft, expressive body language and facial expressions, it made a big impact on Nepalese and Tibetan sculptures.
This figure shows typical facial features of Indians, eyes looking straight ahead with plump lips and a roundish face. The earrings she wears are classically annular of Pala style. The figure is seated in vajraparyankasana, with right hands lowered in vitarkamudra and left hand helding a lotus flower, wearing a loose skirt spread over the base and leaving the torso bare but covering the lower part of the body in long dress with delicate rhombus patterns consist of rose copper and white silver, also embroidered with silver. Luxury decoration is the characteristic of the aristocratic aesthetic of Pala Empire, which deeply influences the Nepalese and Tibetan figure making. The material is bronze alloy, and due to good preservation of generations, the cot is very smooth.
Pala Empire was destroyed by the Arabians through the latter’s invasion to the east, and few figures of Buddha survived, of which only Tibet preserve some. Therefore, a Pala style figure of this size is extremely precious. Its unique style and the high artistic value has been sought after by the international Himalayan art market, especially during recent years when the domestic market of gilt bronze figure of Buddha escape from the misleading pursuit for the heavy, the big and the golden. The commonly seen Pala figures of Buddha are usually 10cm in height, while this piece is almost 15cm, making it even more scarce.
From the perspective of subject, this White Tara is the incarnation of Gunyin. Because she has eyes on forehead, on hands and on the arch of feet, so she is also called Seven Eye Tara, known for compassion, long life, healing and serenity. Commonly seen figures of Tara in Pala style are Green Tara, this White Tara is very rare.
This figure of White Tara is a representative work of Pala Empire, giving a strong visual impact to the viewers and artistic appeal, making it a extremely valuable addition to any Buddhist art collection.
12th Century
This is a Pala style copper alloy figure of White Tara. The Pala Empire was an imperial power during the Late Classical period on the Indian subcontinent, which originated in the region of Bengal. It is named after its ruling dynasty, whose rulers bore names ending with the suffix of Pala. They were followers of the Mahayana and Tantric schools of Buddhism. The Pala school of sculptural art is recognized as a distinct phase of the Indian art, and is noted for the artistic genius of adding a number of elements of the Buddhist school what later called by Japanese as Mikky. Because of the exquisite craft, expressive body language and facial expressions, it made a big impact on Nepalese and Tibetan sculptures.
This figure shows typical facial features of Indians, eyes looking straight ahead with plump lips and a roundish face. The earrings she wears are classically annular of Pala style. The figure is seated in vajraparyankasana, with right hands lowered in vitarkamudra and left hand helding a lotus flower, wearing a loose skirt spread over the base and leaving the torso bare but covering the lower part of the body in long dress with delicate rhombus patterns consist of rose copper and white silver, also embroidered with silver. Luxury decoration is the characteristic of the aristocratic aesthetic of Pala Empire, which deeply influences the Nepalese and Tibetan figure making. The material is bronze alloy, and due to good preservation of generations, the cot is very smooth.
Pala Empire was destroyed by the Arabians through the latter’s invasion to the east, and few figures of Buddha survived, of which only Tibet preserve some. Therefore, a Pala style figure of this size is extremely precious. Its unique style and the high artistic value has been sought after by the international Himalayan art market, especially during recent years when the domestic market of gilt bronze figure of Buddha escape from the misleading pursuit for the heavy, the big and the golden. The commonly seen Pala figures of Buddha are usually 10cm in height, while this piece is almost 15cm, making it even more scarce.
From the perspective of subject, this White Tara is the incarnation of Gunyin. Because she has eyes on forehead, on hands and on the arch of feet, so she is also called Seven Eye Tara, known for compassion, long life, healing and serenity. Commonly seen figures of Tara in Pala style are Green Tara, this White Tara is very rare.
This figure of White Tara is a representative work of Pala Empire, giving a strong visual impact to the viewers and artistic appeal, making it a extremely valuable addition to any Buddhist art collection.