A pair of Sino-Tibetan gilt bronze Buddhist monks. 18th Century

Each cast with the right hand held in a modified vitarka mudra, the open left palm drilled to hold an attribute and a pilgrim's staff accompanying one figure as each stands on a separately cast oval plinth encircled by a beaded edge above an overlapping lotus petal band, the surfaces finished in gilt and the heads highlighted in a combination of cold gilt and pigment (wear to gilt, losses to attributes). 6 3/4in (17cm) high - Sold for $5,400 Sold for $18,000 (Copyright © 2002-2008 Bonhams 1793 Ltd., Images and Text All Rights Reserved) 

Bonhams. Fine Asian Works of Art, 23 Jun 2008. 220 San Bruno Avenue, San Francisco - www.bonhams.com