Lot 845. A large yellow, green, turquoise, and aubergine-glazed figure of Amitayus, Ming-Qing dynasty (1368-1911). Estimate USD 8,000 - USD 12,000. Photo Christie's Image Ltd 2016. 

The figure is seated in dhyanasana on a separately made lotus base with his hands resting in his lap holding a vessel, and is dressed in flowing robes and a scarf draped over his shoulders that continues around his forearms. The face has a benevolent expression with heavy-lidded eyes, and is surmounted by a pointed crown inset with diminutive images of Amitabha. The figure 21 ¼ in. (54 cm.) high 
The base 2. 1/4 in. (5.7 cm.) high

Provenance: Hon. Chester Holcombe (1842-1912) Collection.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, accessioned in 1884.

Notes: Amitayus, known as the 'Buddha of Infinite Life,' is one of the most popular deities in the Tibetan Buddhist pantheon; his typical iconography is recognized by the seated full-lotus posture with hands in meditation supporting a kalasha bottle containing the elixir of immortality. 

Ceramic Buddhist images of such unusually large size are extremely rare, and were probably specifically commissioned for ritual display in temples situated within the imperial palace precincts.

Christie's. Collected in America: Chinese Ceramics from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 15 September 2016, New York, Rockefeller Plaza