Lot 107. A rare Tibetan gilt-bronze figure of the seated Buddha, 14th-15th century; 11 in. (27.5cm ) high. Estimate GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000. Price realised GBP 52,500. © Christie's Images Ltd 2020

The figure is powerfully cast, seated in dhyanasana with his right hand lowered in bhumisparsamudra and his left hand resting on his lap. The diaphanous saghati is gathered in folds over the left shoulder and ankles. His face bears a benevolent expression below a clearly delineated brow and a raised urna.

Provenance: Acquired in London in the early 1980s and thence by descent within the family.

Note: The slender proportions, restrained detail and skilled delineation of the facial features in the present example make it an elegant example of Tibetan fifteenth century craftsmanship. For a closely related example formerly in the collection of Berti Aschmann, see H. Uhlig, On the Path to Enlighenment: The Berti Aschmann Foundation of Tibetan Art at the Museum Rietberg Zurich, 1995, pp.72-73, cat.no.30.

Christie's. Important Chinese Art, London, 3 November 2020