Lot 62. A Blanc-de-Chine figure of Doumu, Impressed Boji Yuren seal mark, late Qing Dynasty; 34.3cm (13 1/2in) high. Sold for £11,875 (€15,195). © Bonhams 2001-2016.

Exquisitely modelled seated in dhyanasana on a lotus pedestal with eighteen arms holding various attributes, the primary hands held before the chest in namaskaramudra, another pair held in dhyanamudra, the loose robes open at the chest to reveal beaded jewellery, the face with serene expression beneath an intricate crown centred with Buddha flanked with elaborate beaded pendants dressing the long plaits, all supported on a lotus base above curling stylised waves, the back impressed with a double-gourd mark reading dehua, and a square mark reading boji yuren, wood stand and box. 

Provenance: a British private collection, acquired in Hong Kong, circa 1970s

Notes: The Daoist Goddess Doumu or 'The Dipper Mother', as her name implies, is the mother of the seven stars of the Northern Dipper (Ursa Major). In her hagiography, it is recounted that she made a vow to 'give birth to sacred children who would assist the Universe'. When she was incarnated as a woman named Lady of Violet Light, consort to King Zhou Yu, she bathed in the Pool of Warm Jade and Golden Lotuses. After she suddenly felt 'moved', lotus buds in the pool blossomed to reveal children that eventually became stars in the sky. Doumu was worshipped to undo the effects of negative karma. See Taoism and the Arts of China, Chicago, 2000, pp.282-283.

Compare with another very similar Dehua figure of Doumu, 18th century, which was sold at Sotheby's, Hong Kong, 5 October 2011, lot 2013.

Bonhams. AUCTION 23237: FINE CHINESE ART, LONDON, NEW BOND STREET