Indonesian Seated Figure of Tara Devi

A lotus rises at her shoulder. Her fingers have just left the knee.

This seated figure of Tara Devi comes from Indonesia and dates to the 20th century, and it is river stone. Tara, a compassionate savior figure in Buddhist tradition, is commonly shown holding a lotus. She sits cross-legged on a double lotus base, one hand raised, the other reaching down over her knee. A tall crown tapers to a point above loose curls. Patterned cloth, a heavy collar and a long beaded sash are carved across the body. Forty-three inches high and 28 wide.

Her gaze stays lowered. She has heard it all already.