Lot 68. Four gilt-bronze figures of guardians, Qing dynasty, 19th century. Tallest: 18.5 cm, 7 1/4  in. Estimate £10,000 - £20,000. Lot sold £62,500 (€71,581). © Sotheby's.

each cast and seated in relaxed lalitasana on a rectangular plinth, dressed in elaborate headdress and armour, with a celestial scarf draped across the shoulders and billowing to the sides, their expressive faces detailed with wide open eyes and knitted brows framed by large earrings, Vaisravana holding a parasol, Virupaksa with a snake winding down one arm and the other holding an alms bowl, Dhritarashtra grasping a pipa, Virudhaka holding a sword, with traces of polychrome.

Provenance: An American collection, purchased in Hong Kong in the 1980s.