041
The Buddha Matri ("Mother of Buddhas"), Sita Tara ("White
Tara") or Saptalochana ("Seven- Eyed") Tara
Thangka, painting
Cotton support with opaque mineral pigments in waterbased (collagen) binder
23.75 x 34.75 inches
Central Tibet
Ca. 18th century
Mixture of Menri Serma and Karma Gadri styles
Sita Tara is a female Buddha, who takes numerous forms. Here, she is depicted
in her Saptalochana ("Seven-eyed") White Tara emanation. On the
deity's feet and hands are delicately painted eyes, which, in addition to
the three on her face, symbolically represent her insight into every aspect
of reality; knowledge of all past, present, and future Buddhas; and the
realization of the plight of mankind. The Buddha Amitayus, at the top center,
indicates that this painting belonged to a set of three representing the
Long Life Deities: Sita Tara, Ushnishavijaya, and Amitayus.
Natalie Marsh
Museum #: 97.070
Huntington Archive Image Scan #: T1033