Lot 72. A small gilt-bronze 'bodhisattva' group, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 5 ½ in. (14.2 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 6,000 - GBP 10,000. Price realised GBP 15,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020.

The bodhisattva is cast seated in dhyanasana on a double-lotus base supported on a lotus stem rising from a shaped base incised with waves, and with hands held in dharmachakramudra. The bejewelled figure wears a dhotii and a scarf draped in loose folds over the shoulders. The hair is upswept into a top knot below a five-point tiara. The central figure is flanked by the smaller bodhisattvas Manjushri and Vajrapani, holding a sword and vajra respectively.