Antique Nepalese Bronze Green Tara – Newar Art – Kathmandu Valley – 19th Century – 68.5 cm

Antique Bronze Green Tara – Newar, Kathmandu Valley (Nepal)

Dimensions: H 68.5 cm × W 28 cm | Weight: 7.2 kg | Material: Traditional lost-wax cast copper alloy/bronze with original ormolu and authentic Newar patina. This monumental Green Tara belongs to the high-quality religious bronze art from the Kathmandu Valley and was crafted by a Newar master during the 19th century. With her elegant Tribhanga posture, refined body modeling, and exceptionally richly engraved robes, she represents classical Nepalese Buddhist sculpture at a high level. The combination of monumental dimensions, traditional fire gilding, and the characteristic deep black Newar patina makes this a special collector's item that rarely appears on the international art market.

Green Tara – The Goddess of Compassion and Protection

Within Vajrayana Buddhism, Green Tara (Śyāmatārā) is regarded as the female embodiment of compassion, protection, and swift assistance. She is invoked to remove obstacles, overcome fears, and promote spiritual development. Her graceful posture symbolizes her constant readiness to help all living beings.

The subtly modeled female anatomy, the rich crown, the refined jewelry, and the lotus stem next to the shoulder are part of the classic iconography of Nepalese Tara statues from the Newar tradition.

Technical Examination

The statue was extensively examined using digital microscopy and technical inspection. The construction confirms a traditionally crafted religious bronze statue using the centuries-old lost-wax method (cire perdue). The original casting core is still largely present, and the internal core supports (chaplets) are clearly visible. The interior shows natural oxidation, historical copper salts, and an authentic casting structure that fully aligns with traditional Newar bronze casting art.

Under magnification, traces of manual chasing are visible everywhere. The engravings were applied individually by hand after casting, with small variations in depth and linework confirming the artisanal character. Modern machine finishing or traces of industrial production are completely absent.

Original Fire Gilding & Newar Patina

Microscopic examination reveals clear remnants of the original fire gilding in several places. The historical gold layer has been well preserved, particularly in the recessed ornaments, crown, and jewelry. On the protruding parts, the gilding has gradually worn away due to centuries of natural wear, revealing the warm copper alloy underneath.

Furthermore, the statue possesses the characteristic deep black Newar patina for which high-quality Nepalese temple statues are internationally renowned. This natural surface forms over a long period through oxidation, ritual use, and careful maintenance, and is considered by collectors to be one of the most important features of authentic Nepalese religious bronzes.

Artistic Quality

The harmonious body proportions, refined facial expression, and exceptionally rich engravings clearly place this statue above the average level of 19th-century Nepalese religious bronzes. The crown, jewelry, lotus, and robes were entirely finished by hand by an experienced Newar master, with every detail individually chiseled.

Moreover, at a height of 68.5 centimeters, this is one of the larger versions originally produced for temples, monasteries, or private shrines of considerable status.

An Authentic Collector's Item

This antique Green Tara unites religious significance, traditional Newar craftsmanship, and exceptional artistic quality in a single monumental sculpture. Thanks to the original fire gilding, the authentic black Newar patina, the traditional lost-wax construction, and the refined hand engravings, this statue constitutes a rare collector's item for lovers of Himalayan art, Buddhist sculpture, and high-quality Asian antiquities.