Tara is one of the most loved figures in Himalayan art, and the two forms people see most are Green Tara and White Tara. Green Tara sits with her right leg extended, ready to step down and help, and she is linked with protection and quick compassion. White Tara sits fully cross legged and has seven eyes, including one on her forehead, on each palm and on each sole, and she is associated with long life and healing.

Both hold blue utpala flowers and make the gesture of giving with the right hand, so the leg position and the extra eyes are the easiest way to tell them apart. Buy authentic thangka painting of Tara only once you have checked that these details are painted correctly, since a careful artist follows the traditional texts closely and a rushed one often gets them wrong.

Many families choose Green Tara for the home as a general protector, while White Tara is often given to elders or to someone recovering from illness. Either way, the calm face and balanced proportions are what make a good piece stand out.