Bronze fire-gilt with stone inlayTibet, 18th centuryDimensions: Height 19 cmWeight: 1305 gramsIn Tibet known as the "Goddess of Music" or "Tara of Music", she is sometimes the consort of Manjushri. In Indian culture she is also known as the "Goddess of Wisdom". Here she is depicted seated on a lotus base with beaded rim with an instrument called "veena", an Indian string instrument, here with the head of a duck or swan. She is often portrayed sitting on a swan or with a peacock. Her lower body is dressed in a flowy garment fanning out underneath her feet. Her whole body is covered in beaded chains and necklaces highlighted with turquoise stone inlay. Her face is squary with small features, smiling. She is wearing a high bun topped by a small diamond bud finial while her long hair is hanging down her back. On the back of the statue we see details of the garment's ornamental brim and beaded chains on the waistband. On the bottom of the statue is an incised double vajra symbol.