3/3 - At the Asian Art Museum

A gilded copper statue of White Tara. Tara is the female aspect of Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion, one of the most revered boddhisatvas of Mahayana Buddhism. Tara is said to have come from an expression of Avalokitesvara's compassion, usually a tear. She is also a figure of compassion, and can be peaceful, As shown here, or ferocious, as needed.

Fun fact: Tibetan Buddhism is a branch of Mahayana Buddhism and the Dalai Lama's followers believe that he is manifestation of Avaloketesvara.

Date: approx. 1400-1500

Simhavaktra Dakini

Date: 1736-1795

A dakini is a female sky spirit (dakini can be translated as "she who traverses the sky" or sometimes, more poetically, "sky dancer"), a female embodiment of enlightened energy. As energy, they are often volatile. Dakini serve as protectors, muses, and removers of obstacles to enlightenment. This one's hair blazes upward with the fire of wisdom, and her lion's head indicates fearlessness in confronting all obstacles to liberation.