figure
- Museum number
- 1830,0612.4
- Description
-
Goddess. A standing figure of a female deity (Tārā) solid cast in bronze and gilded. The figure has a high tubular coiffure (jatamukuta) held in place by a medallion flanked by makara-s (water creatures). The medallion was probably set with stones, as were the eyes. The earlobes are elongated and the lower body dressed in a tight-fitting cloth knotted at the hips. The upper body is uncovered. The proper right hand is in varadamudrā (gesture of giving), the left hand in katakahastamudrā (the hand pose wherein the tips of the fingers are applied to the thumb so as to form a ring, as if to hold a flower). The two middle fingers of the right hand are missing as are toes from both feet.
- Production date
- 8thC (circa)
- Dimensions
-
Height: 143 centimetres (not including plinth)
-
Width: 44 centimetres
-
Depth: 29.50 centimetres
- Location
- On display (G33/od)
- Exhibition history
-
Exhibited:
1. 'The Art of Ancient Sri Lanka': exhibition at the Commonwealth Institute, London 17 Jul to 13 Sep, 1981.
2. 'Buddhism: Art and Faith': temporary exhibition at the British Museum, London, 1985.
2010-2011, London, BM/BBC, 'A History of the World in 100 Objects'
- Acquisition date
- 1830
- Acquisition notes
- G&R Letters on Antiquities (1757-1834); copy made in November 1847 in BM Central Archives, Original Papers (June 1830). To Mr Henry Ellis (Principal Librarian) from Sir Robert Brownrigg. Reports that the image 'was found in the North East part of Ceylon between Trincomalee and Batticalou'.
- Department
- Asia
- Registration number
- 1830,0612.4