Lot 5001. A life-size fragmentary gilt-bronze arm of Buddha, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 56.5 by 52.5 cm, 22 1/4  by 21 in. Estimate 50,000 — 70,000 HKD. Sold for 275,000 HKD (32,538 EUR). Courtesy Sotheby's.

cast as a complete section for the assembly of a massive gilt-bronze figure of Buddha, the shoulder slightly crushed due to deconsecration or anti-Buddhist desecration but the remainder of the slender and slightly elongated arm left intact and clad in a slightly flaring sleeve, the tapered fingers of the hand held in dhyana mudra with the thumb gently lifted in an expressive and subtle gesture of power, stand.

Provenance: Acquired in Hong Kong in 2005.