Saraswati

Saraswati is the goddess of learning and wisdom, a goddess beloved by Hindus and Buddhists alike. Her popularity spreads far beyond the borders of India to Tibet, China, Korea and Japan.

Her delicately long fingers hold a vina, a classical musical instrument of India. The narrow end of the vina curves into the shape of a swan's head, the vehicle of Saraswati. Another swan can be seen at the feet of Saraswati, holding a lotus bud in it's beak. The swan is believed to be capable of separating milk which has been mixed with water, which symbolizes discriminating wisdom.

Her ornaments are simple and restrained, but a narrow, golden green scarf creates a flurry of movement around the figure. It floats in an arc behind her slightly tilted head, then winds around her arms and drifts off in a circular maze to left and right. The pure milky white of the body contrasts with the more colorful gold and red of the skirt.

Her upper right arm holds a rosary, while the lower left hand holds a book, symbols of auspiciousness and knowledge respectively.

This thangka shows a deep Chinese influence.

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This description by Nitin Kumar, Executive Editor, Exotic India.

References:

Beer, Robert. The Encyclopedia of Tibetan Symbols and Motifs. Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1999.