Lot 237. A massive polychrome painted stucco head of Guanyin, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 72cm (28 3/8in) high. Sold for £ 21,500 (€ 25,538) (Est: £15,000 - £20,000). © Bonhams 2001-2021

The full face finely modelled with slender bow-shaped eyes and hooded eyelids, all below arched eyebrows extending to a broad straight nose and full red lips, the forehead centred with a circular indentation once holding a jewelled urna, the cheeks flanked by a pair of long pendulous ears, all below the combed hair piled up to form an elaborate chignon embellished with a band of flowerheads, stand.

Provenance: a French private collection, acquired in the 1980s
Christie's Paris, 12 June 2012, lot 297
A British private collection

Note: See a related head of Buddha with regal crown, Ming dynasty, 15th century, in the Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum, Hong Kong, (acc.no. 2017.29).

Compare with a related massive painted stucco head of Guanyin, Yuan/early Ming dynasty, which was sold at Bonhams London, 11 May 2021, lot 108.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Art: Including Imperial and Court Textiles Curated by Linda Wrigglesworth, London, 2 november 2021