Large, beautifully crafted fire-gilded statue of the White Tara

This almost 1/2 m tall, exceptionally beautifully crafted statue shows the White Tara not in the usual lotus position, but in a standing posture - a rarer and powerful form of representation that emphasizes her alertness and her constant willingness to help. Characteristic are her seven eyes, distributed over her face, forehead, palms and soles of her feet. They symbolize all-encompassing mindfulness and deep compassion.

The statue was made from copper in Patan, the Nepalese center of Newar metal art, using traditional craftsmanship, fire-gilded and subtly painted. This elaborate gilding process - in which gold powder is bound with mercury, applied and fixed under heat - creates a particularly warm, matt gold surface, which is typical of ritual statues of the highest quality.

The delicate facial expression with softly modeled eyebrows and lips, the filigree decorative ornaments with real gemstones, the elegant crown and the artfully crafted folds of the robe are evidence of the highest level of precision craftsmanship. The richly decorated base on which it rests is also fire-gilded and completes the object to form a powerful and harmonious ensemble.

• Height: 48 cm
• Width (base) 19.5 cm
• Weight: 4 kg
• Year of manufacture: around 2010