A large and impressive Nepalese bronze altar group

19th century, Nepal
Height: 47 inches
Width: 33 inches
Depth: 13 1/2 inches

The Goddess Tara in the center seated in lalitasana pose on a lotus throne, two Kinnara censers on either side performing the vitarka mudra, wood stand with a large multi-part floral mandala crowned by ribboned canopy.

Tara is a female Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, known as the "mother of liberation", and represents the virtues of success in work and achievements. The kinnara are paradigmatic lovers, celestial musicians, half-human and half-bird. Their character is clarified in the Adi parva of the Mahabharata, where they say: "We are everlasting lover and beloved. We never separate. We are eternally husband and wife; never do we become mother and father. No offspring is seen in our lap. We are lover and beloved ever-embracing. In between us we do not permit any third creature demanding affection. Our life is a life of perpetual pleasure."

Condition: Very good

Ref. 1144137

Price on request