Antique Fire-Gilt Green Tara Bronze Statue – Tibetan Vajrayana, 18th Century
This large Tibetan Green Tara bronze was hand-crafted within a monastery context and shows clear evidence of devotional work carried out by Buddhist monks. The sculpture was originally fire-gilded, with remaining gold visible in protected areas, while the warm reddish tones across the body are the result of long ritual handling, incense exposure, and natural oxidation rather than complete surface gilding. The modelling, engraved ritual marks, and overall construction reflect disciplined monastic craftsmanship, created for active religious use rather than commercial production. H 80 x W 50 23kg
Beyond its visual presence, this Tibetan Green Tara carries clear traces of ritual meaning and devotional craftsmanship. The surface shows hand-engraved markings, including repeated rosette and lotus-based forms crossed by deliberate incised lines. These are not decorative patterns, but consecration marks applied after casting, intended to ritually activate and seal the image for spiritual use.
In Vajrayana practice, such incised lines symbolise the cutting through of ignorance and attachment, while the repeated lotus forms refer to purity and enlightened awareness arising from the world itself. The crossing line binds these elements together, functioning as a ritual seal that stabilises and protects the spiritual intention of the image. These markings were typically applied by monks during consecration or re-consecration rituals, prioritising function over visual refinement.
The hand-worked nature of the bronze is evident throughout: subtle asymmetries, softened contours, and uneven wear confirm traditional lost-wax casting and prolonged ritual handling. The remaining traces of fire gilding are embedded within the surface rather than lying on top, while the warm reddish tones result from centuries of touch, incense smoke, and natural oxidation.
Together, the engraved ritual lines, lotus symbolism, and aged surface tell the story of a working devotional image—one created not as an object of display, but as a living focus of prayer, protection, and compassionate action within a Tibetan monastic environment.
Antique Fire-Gilt Green Tara Bronze Statue – Tibetan Vajrayana, 18th Century
Description
This Tibetan Green Tara is depicted in her traditional form as the bodhisattva of active compassion and protection. She is seated in a relaxed posture, symbolising readiness to rise and act without hesitation. Her calm but alert expression reflects clarity of mind combined with compassionate intent.
The right hand is lowered in a gesture of generosity and protection, signifying the granting of refuge and the removal of fear. The left hand is raised near the chest, holding a lotus stem, representing purity of intention and spiritual awakening arising from the world rather than retreating from it. The lotus flowers emerging beside the shoulders reinforce this symbolism of compassion remaining untouched by suffering.
The figure is adorned with a crown and jewellery, identifying her as a bodhisattva rather than a Buddha, and indicating her continued engagement with the world for the benefit of others. The lotus throne signifies spiritual purity and enlightenment, while the openworked and engraved elements on the base and body relate to ritual consecration practices within Tibetan monasteries.
Traces of original fire gilding remain visible in protected areas, while the warm reddish tones across the surface are the result of centuries of ritual handling, incense smoke, and natural oxidation. The engraved ritual marks and consecration patterns are not decorative, but functional signs of devotional use, applied to activate and protect the image within a Vajrayana context.
Created for monastic use rather than decoration, this image of Green Tara embodies protection, swift compassionate action, and spiritual continuity within Tibetan Buddhist practice.
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Antique Fire-Gilt Green Tara Bronze Statue – Tibetan Vajrayana, 18th Century
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