Lot 3058. A gilt-bronze figure of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha, Late Ming-Early Qing dynasty, 17th century; 39.9 cm., 15 5/8 in. Estimate 3,000,000 — 5,000,000 HKD. Lot sold 3,640,000 HKD (342,677 EUR). Photo:Sotheby's

well cast and portrayed seated in vajraparyankasana, his hands held in dharmacakra mudra, wearing a loose robe exposing his chest, the robe elaborately accented with fine incisions of chrysanthemum and scrolls, the serene face with downcast eyes and a meditative expression, flanked by a pair of long pendulous earlobes, the head and domed usnisa covered with tight curls and surmounted by an ovoid jewel, all supported on a double lotus pedestal with beaded edges. 

Provenance: An old Swiss collection.

Note: The image represents a transitional sculptural style from the late Ming into the early Qing dynasty, with the heavily lidded eyes remaining reminiscent of Ming works while the robe style with engraved decoration relates to Qing stylistic developments; see a lacquered wood Buddha in the British Museum containing a dedicatory inscription dated 1692, illustrated in W. Zwalf, ed, Buddhism: Art and Faith, London, 1985, pl. 309.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art. Hong Kong, 08 Apr 2014