**Originally Listed At $400**

East Asia, Tibet, ca. 19th century CE. Hand-painted on canvas with rich jewel-tone hues and gold leaf, a large thangka depicting Shyamatara, the Green Tara, at the center sitting before a blue body of water, the lake created by Avalokiteshvara's tears, and surrounded by four other deities, including the Yellow Tara and the White Tara above. Green Tara's right hand is in the varamudra gesture of giving - offering the faithful her assistance. Meanwhile her left hand shows the thumb and forefinger pressed together - symbolizing wisdom and compassion - and the three raised fingers represent the triratna of the Buddha, dharma, and sangha. The composition is 'framed' within a lovely surround of decorative silken fabrics in hues of rose, gold, and chocolate brown. Size: 27.75" L x 18.125" W (70.5 cm x 46 cm); 42.5" L x 31.75" W (108 cm x 80.6 cm) with fabric surround

According to Buddhist teachings, Tara was born out of the tears of compassion of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, who wept as he observed the suffering of worldly beings, and his tears formed a lake from which a lotus sprung. When the lotus opened, the goddess Tara was within. Shyamatara or the Green Tara protects believers from the eight great dangers - lions, elephants, snakes, fire, thieves, water, demons, and prisons or the government. In Buddhism, Tara (Sanskrit for star) is a savior goddess. In Tibet, she is the most important deity and her name is Sgrol-ma or Shyamatara (she who saves). She is also popular in Nepal and Mongolia. Tara is the goddess of supreme compassion, said to be stronger than a mother's love for her children. In addition, Tara is said to bring about longevity, protect earthly travel, and guard followers on their spiritual journey to enlightenment.

Provenance: private J.H. collection, Beaverton, Oregon, USA

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#149833

Painting shows nice craquelure and areas of slight staining, but the imagery is vivid. Verso of the canvas has darkened with age. Fabrics framing the painting and added later are in very nice condition.