A celadon-glazed Buddhist shrine, 14th/15th century

The meditative figure of Guanyin seated below an arch of scroll work, flanked on either side by small protruding shelves, one holding a bowl and the other holding a pear-shaped vase, before her stand two acolytes on open lotus flower heads, covered overall with a crackled sea-green glaze, except for the gilt heads and chest of Guanyin. 34.6cm (13½in) high. Sold for £5,040

Footnote: A similar shrine was sold at Christie's New York, 20 March 2002, lot 308.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, 14 May 2009. New Bond Street www.bonhams.com