Tibetan Silvered Brass Head of Tara Wall Hanging (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 192A)

$289.13

Central Asia, Tibet, ca. 20th century CE. A striking silvered brass repousse wall hanging depicting Tara, the beloved female bodhisattva of compassion and enlightenment. Cast in high relief and masterfully finished, the goddess’s serene visage is framed by a cascade of curling locks and ornate jewelry, her downcast eyes embodying the meditative grace central to Tibetan devotional art. Her finely modeled face is crowned by an elaborate five-pointed diadem centered with a fierce kirtimukha mask and adorned with scrolling floral motifs. Crescent moons and lotus rosettes radiate upward from the headdress, symbolizing her celestial nature and spiritual purity. The broad neckline, chased with swirling foliate patterns and beadwork, represents the rich ornamentation worn by deities in Himalayan iconography. Tara, whose name means “the one who ferries across,” is venerated as both a compassionate protectress and an embodiment of divine wisdom. Size: 7″ W x 10.4″ H (17.8 cm x 26.4 cm)

She is often depicted with a tranquil, maternal presence, guiding devotees through the cycles of suffering toward liberation. Silvered brass, prized for its reflective sheen, enhances the spiritual potency of such votive imagery, suggesting illumination and the dispelling of darkness. The reverse retains its hammered repousse form and a suspension loop for hanging, allowing the image to serve as a household shrine object. Rich traces of patina across the surface accentuate its depth and devotional character.

Provenance: private Anahola, Hawaii, USA collection, acquired 1970s to 1990s

Condition: Good. Some small perforations in areas of collar. Nicks and abrasions to surface as shown. Otherwise, mostly intact and excellent with good detail and rich patina.