Lot 183. A gilt-bronze figure of Guanyin, Ming dynasty (1368-1644). Height 8 1/2 in., 21.6 cm. Estimate 7,000 — 10,000 USD. Lot sold 11,250 USD. Photo Sotheby's

the Goddess of Mercy in dhyanasana, an alms bowl delicately held in her left hand in the meditative dhyanamudra and the right hand raised in vitarkamudra holding the stem of a lotus, wearing a loosely draped robe engraved with floral borders, an elaborate necklace and a pierced diadem centered with a figure of Amitabha Buddha set on the head, the hair drawn into a long knotted tresses falling over both shoulders, wood stand (2).