Lot 71. A gilt-bronze figure of Manjusri, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 10 in. (25 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 30,000 - GBP 50,000. Price realised GBP 50,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.

The bodhisattva is finely cast seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus base, his hands in gesture of dharmachakra mudra holding the tips of lotus stems bearing his attributes of a sword and a book. The deity wears a flowing dhoti that is gathered in folds around his knees and a sash around the shoulders revealing the bare chest adorned with beaded pendent jewellery chains. The face is modelled with a benevolent expression with painted downcast eyes and smiling lips. The hair is upswept into a topknot below a foliate crown, loose braids cascading down each shoulder. The front of the base is incised with a six-character presentation mark, Daming Yongle nian shi, 'Bestowed in the Great Ming Yongle period'.