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Monumental Fire-gilded Bronze Green Tara (Syama Tara) – Nepal – 19th Century – 78 cm
€6,500Bid from €5,850
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Private sellerDamme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales
Product description
Monumental Fire-Gilded Green Tara from the Kathmandu Valley Height: 78 cm | Width: 27 cm | Weight: 8.2 kg | Material: Solid traditional cast bronze with original fire gilding An exceptionally large and museum-quality Nepalese depiction of Green Tara (Syama Tara), crafted in the Kathmandu Valley during the 19th century. The sculpture was cast using the traditional lost-wax method and represents the higher quality of Nepalese temple art. Its graceful Tribhanga posture, refined body proportions, richly engraved robes, and monumental presence make this an impressive devotional artwork originally intended for ritual veneration within a Buddhist temple or private sanctuary. Iconography of Green Tara Within Tibetan and Nepalese Buddhism, Green Tara is considered the female embodiment of universal compassion and immediate protection. She symbolizes swift aid, wisdom, compassion, and the overcoming of fear and obstacles. The sculpture shows Tara in her characteristic elegant Tribhanga posture, where the body bends in three flowing lines. In her left hand, she holds the long stem of the sacred lotus (Utpala), the symbol of purity and spiritual enlightenment. The richly elaborate crown, jewelry, and finely engraved dhoti belong to the classic iconography of high-quality Nepalese Tara sculptures from the 19th century. Technical Examination & Authentic Construction The sculpture underwent extensive technical examination using a digital Dino-Lite microscope. The images confirm a traditionally crafted bronze cult image with numerous manual finishes not found in modern reproductions.
* Traditionally hollow cast using the lost-wax method (cire perdue).
* Manually chiseled engravings visible under magnification.
* Natural wear on protruding parts with intact oxidation in the deeper engravings.
* Original fire gilding (mercury gilding) present over large parts of the surface.
* Historical copper oxidation and natural patination consistent with long-term age.
* No indications of modern industrial finishing or machine post-processing.
Original Fire Gilding Microscopic examination reveals a historical fire-gilded finish where the original gold layer is still clearly present. At natural points of wear, the underlying copper alloy becomes visible, while in the deeper engravings, the original gilding has remained exceptionally well preserved. This wear pattern is characteristic of authentic Nepalese temple bronzes that have been ritually used for a long time. The quality of this fire gilding is among the features that make such Nepalese cult images particularly cherished internationally among collectors of Himalayan art. Artistic Quality The sculpture distinguishes itself through its exceptionally harmonious body proportions, refined facial expression, and extremely carefully elaborated ornamentation. The crown, jewelry, lotus stem, and richly engraved robes were completely hand-finished. Especially the elegant modeling of the body and the subtle detailing of the lotus leaves attest to a very experienced Nepalese master caster. With a height of 78 centimeters, this sculpture is also among the larger and considerably rarer examples that only sporadically appear on the international art market. A Collectible of Museum Quality This original Nepalese fire-gilded bronze sculpture of Green Tara combines religious significance, high-quality traditional bronze casting art, and exceptional artistic quality in one monumental sculpture. Thanks to its authentic construction, original fire gilding, natural patina, and refined manual finishing, this constitutes a rare collectible for lovers of Himalayan art, museum collections, and serious collectors of Buddhist sculpture.
Additional details:
- Brand: 1stbuddha
- Style: Nepalese
- Style: Himalayaans
- Material: Vuurvergulding
- Colour: Goud
- Period: 19e Eeuw
- availability: in_stock
- product_type: Beeld / sculptuur
Specifications
CategorySculptureConditionExcellentColorsGreenMaterialBronze, CopperSeller locationDamme, GermanyDelivery optionsDelivery or pickup
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Seller information
About this seller
Private sellerDamme, GermanyOn Whoppah since February 2025 • 3 sales