Lot 250. A rare bronze figure of Yanguang Mingmu Yuanjun, Ming dynasty, dated to the fourth year of Tianqi period, corresponding to 1624. Height 23 in., 58.3 cm. Estimate: 20,000 - 30,000 USD. Lot sold: 35,280 USD. Courtesy Sotheby's.

the figure seated in a vajraparyankasana with hands in dhyana mudra holding a mirror with an eye, dressed in a long flowing robe with ribbons, chest adorned with elaborate jewelry, the peaceful face with gently arched brows and downcast eyes, wearing a bejeweled diadem, all supported on a double-lotus base with an inscription on the back now partly missing above the hexagonal base. 

Provenance: Collection of Richard White (1924-2002), acquired prior to 1973, and later gifted to the present owner.

Note: Yanguang Mingmu Yuanjun was one of the popular female Daoist deities in China during the Ming and Qing dynasties. She is also known as Yanguang Niangniang (Our Lady Who Heals Eyesight), and is believed to cure blindness and other ailments related to vision. In Daoist paintings or sculptures, she is often seen accompanying Bixia Yuanjun among other attendant goddesses. 

Compare a pair of late 16th - early 17th century bronze figures of Yanguang Niangniang and Songzi Niangniang formerly in the Mary Griggs Burke Collection, and now in the Yale University Art Gallery (accession no. 2015.107.23.2a-b), illustrated on the museum's website

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art, New York, 17 march 2021