Lot 9. A rare copper-alloy figure of a Bodhisattva, Tang Dynasty or earlier; 21.4cm (8 3/8in) high. Estimate £ 8,000 - £ 12,000. Sold for £ 87,562 (€ 96,829). Courtesy Bonhams.

The figure finely cast standing with hips gently swayed, the left arm held up holding a large sphere, clad in an elegant dhoti and billowing scarves, open at the chest revealing jewellery, the face with serene expression beneath a crown, a hook on the reverse of the body, stand.

Provenance: Alain Presencer collection.

Note: Alain Presencer began learning about Buddhism at home in Canada, at the age of 13, and subsequently studied with the late Professor Mathera Sadhatissa at the University of Toronto between 1961-1962. Thereafter in England, he became an active member of the London Buddhist Vihara. For the next 50 years, Alain Presencer spiritedly promoted the study of Tibetan Buddhism and culture in the United Kingdom. His contributions to the field resulted in numerous recognitions, including his appointment as a Fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society. Alain also introduced the musical genre of Tibetan 'singing bowls' to the West. His album, 'The Singing Bowls of Tibet', is still in production today, having sold over a million copies.

The present lot as indicated by the hook on the reverse of the figure, was probably originally part of an altarpiece. Compare with a related gilt-bronze standing bodhisattva Guanyin with a similar posture and circular pedestal, Tang dynasty, in the Arthur M.Sackler Museum, illustrated by A.F.Howard, L.Song, W.Hung and Y.Hong, Chinese Sculpture, New Haven, 2006, p.312, fig.3.118.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art, London, 5 Nov 2020