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Stele Representing Tara

Asian Art

MEDIUM Schist
  • Place Made: Eastern region, India
  • DATES ca. 9th century
    DYNASTY Pala
    DIMENSIONS H: 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm)  (show scale)
    COLLECTIONS Asian Art
    ACCESSION NUMBER 76.179.5
    CREDIT LINE Gift of Martha M. Green
    CATALOGUE DESCRIPTION A dark grey stone stele with rounded top, carved in relief with the figure of Tara seated in lalitasana on a lion headed throne, a diminutive attendant figure sits below her right foot, a lotus flower is by her left shoulder, her head is surrounded by the flame rimmed aureole with a fringe of inscription on the nimbus. Tara is a female bodhisattva, or Buddhist enlightened being. She is the embodiment of compassion and is often worshipped by those seeking protection and long life. Condition: Nose and left side of the face slightly damaged. The figure is set on a wooden base.
    MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
    CAPTION Stele Representing Tara, ca. 9th century. Schist, H: 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Martha M. Green, 76.179.5. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 76.179.5_bw.jpg)
    IMAGE overall, 76.179.5_bw.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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    RIGHTS STATEMENT Creative Commons-BY
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     <em>Stele Representing Tara</em>, ca. 9th century. Schist, H: 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Martha M. Green, 76.179.5. Creative Commons-BY (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 76.179.5_bw.jpg)