This magnificent 18-inch Masterpiece Jetsun Dolma Sculpture is an exceptionally detailed representation of Green Tara, handcrafted in Patan, Nepal from copper alloy using the traditional lost-wax casting method. The sculpture is fire gilded in 24K gold, creating a luminous surface that accentuates Tara’s graceful proportions and extraordinarily detailed ornamentation. Her serene face is hand painted with 18K gold and natural pigments, while turquoise and red coral gemstones are embedded throughout her elaborate Bodhisattva crown and jewelry. Measuring 18 inches high, 12.5 inches wide and 11 inches deep, this substantial sculpture is suitable for a shrine room, Dharma center or important collection of Himalayan Buddhist art.
Green Tara is known to Tibetan practitioners as Jetsun Dolma, the Venerable or Noble Liberator. She embodies swift compassionate activity and the immediate response of enlightened awareness to suffering. Tibetan Buddhist tradition regards Tara as a fully enlightened female Buddha, while her distinctive posture expresses her readiness to act for the benefit of sentient beings. Learn more about the meaning and qualities of Green Tara, including her relationship to compassion, protection and liberation.
Masterpiece Jetsun Dolma Sculpture Iconography
Jetsun Dolma sits in lalitasana, or the posture of royal ease. Her left leg is folded inward while her right leg extends forward onto a smaller lotus support. The combination symbolizes contemplative wisdom joined with Tara’s readiness to rise and respond immediately to those requiring assistance. Her lowered right hand displays Varada mudra, the gesture of generosity and compassionate giving. Her raised left hand holds a lotus stem between her fingers in Tara’s characteristic gesture of protection and fearlessness. These attributes are explained further in our guide to Green Tara iconography, posture and mudras.
Two tall lotus stems rise beside Tara and frame the composition. The lotus on her right has opened substantially into a broad flower, while the lotus on her left is depicted at an earlier blossoming stage. Their different states of flowering add visual balance while reinforcing the lotus as a Buddhist symbol of purity and awakening. Flowing celestial ribbons curl outward around the figure, creating movement around Tara’s otherwise tranquil seated posture.
24K Gold Gilding, Gemstones and Masterful Detailing
The craftsmanship becomes particularly evident in Tara’s elaborate crown and jewelry. Small turquoise and red coral gemstones are embedded throughout the crown, earrings, necklaces and ornamental details, introducing subtle areas of blue and red against the brilliant gold surface. Her crown rises through multiple intricately modeled sections, while layered necklaces, earrings, bracelets and arm ornaments emphasize the richly adorned Sambhogakaya appearance traditionally associated with enlightened Bodhisattva forms.
Equally impressive is the treatment of Tara’s clothing. Her flowing dhoti is covered with deeply engraved scrolling and floral patterns that extend across the folded legs and along the garment borders. The lotus throne beneath her is carefully modeled with a beaded upper border and substantial lotus-petal forms. Together, the engraved garments, gemstone ornamentation and 24K gold surface distinguish this piece as an especially elaborate example of contemporary Newar metalwork.
Green Tara and Lokeshvara as a Complementary Shrine Pair
This sculpture makes an especially meaningful companion to our large gold gilded Lokeshvara sculpture. The relationship extends beyond their complementary 24K gold finishes. Tara is traditionally connected with Avalokiteshvara and represents the swift, active manifestation of enlightened compassion, while Lokeshvara embodies immeasurable compassion directed toward all sentient beings. Our guide to Tara’s origins and relationship with Avalokiteshvara explores this doctrinal connection in greater depth. Displayed together, Lokeshvara represents compassion in its boundless contemplative dimension, while Jetsun Dolma expresses that same compassion becoming immediate enlightened action.
Custom Made Jetsun Dolma Sculpture and Lokeshvara
Collectors, Dharma centers and monasteries seeking coordinated shrine images may also commission custom Tibetan Buddhist statues handcrafted in Nepal. A Jetsun Dolma and Lokeshvara pair can be created with complementary proportions, lotus thrones, crown styles, engraving patterns, 24K gold fire gilding and coordinated turquoise and red coral embellishment. Commissioning the two figures together allows their visual relationship to reinforce their doctrinal connection: Lokeshvara embodies universal compassion, while Green Tara embodies its swift and fearless activity. Together they create a harmonious shrine pairing centered upon compassionate awareness and compassionate action.
Authentic, Handmade in Nepal
Every statue is handcrafted in Patan, Nepal, using traditional lost wax casting and comes with a certificate of authenticity issued by Nepal’s Department of Archaeology, verifying its materials, technique, and origin.
