Green Tara, buddhist deity of compassion

Green Tara, known as the “Savioress,” is beloved across the Himalayan world for her swift compassion and protective power. Seated in a graceful posture of readiness, she extends her right leg to signify her constant availability to assist those in need. Her serene expression belies the dynamic force of her presence: Tara is invoked for protection, healing, and the removal of obstacles.

This sculpture, modeled in unfired clay and painted with vibrant colors, was made in 1995 in Tsang, Tibet. Such images are typically created for immediate ritual use— ephemeral yet spiritually potent. This offering, made by collector Thomas Murray in honor of Glenn and Joan Vinson, exemplifies the enduring devotional practices of Tibetan artisans in the modern era.