Lot 616. A gilt-bronze figure of a foreigner, Ming dynasty; 20.5cm high. Sold for HK$ 100,000 (€ 11,977). © Bonhams.

Seated in vajrasana atop a recumbent elephant, the face modelled with thick curly beard below the gently indented mouth portraying an expression of serene contemplation, clasping an edict in both hands, dressed in a loose robe with embellished rims.

Note: The current lot epitomizes the effortless assimilation of different cultural traits into Chinese works of art as foreigners depicted with large eyes and thick curly beards have historically been a prevalent motif as early as the Tang dynasty (618-906), where the increased presence of foreigners inspired an incorporation of the image of the foreigner in Chinese art. Reference could be made to an unglazed pottery figure of a Central Asian mounted on a horse from the early 8th century, illustrated by M. Medley, Tang Pottery & Porcelain, London, 1981, p. 55, no. 45.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 24 Nov 2012, Hong Kong, Admiralty