Tibet: White Tara

Generous loan from the Asia Society, New York

White Tara is an enlightened being of Tibetan Buddhism, embodied in the form of a radiant goddess. Her silver body—a material used only rarely in Tibetan sculpture—offsets the gold and semiprecious stones that adorn her form, described as white in the visions of accomplished Buddhist patriarchs. She models perfect yoga practice, as seen in her cross-legged posture, and her hand gestures indicate that she beneficently gives the gift of teachings that guide followers to join her in the bliss of enlightenment. Sherman Lee, director of the Cleveland Museum of Art from 1958 to 1983, advised John D. Rockefeller to make this exceptional purchase. Lent by the Asia Society of New York, this sculpture joins Cleveland’s celebrated devotional painting of her counterpart Green Tara in the Himalayan gallery.

White Tara, 1600s   
Tibet
Silver with gold and inlays of copper and semiprecious stones; h. 6 3/4 in. (17.1 cm)     
Asia Society, New York
Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art 1979.052