A 'Dehua' Figure of seated Guanyin. Qing dynasty, 17th century - Sotheby's

seated in dhyanasana, the bodhisattva dressed in long flowing robes, falling open at the chest, both hands hidden in the voluminous folds, the face wearing a serene expression with eyes cast downwards, the elaborate chignon covered by a gently cascading cowl, with impressed kiln mark Mei Xinrong Ji, fitted wood stand (2). Height 8 3/4  in., 22.2 cm. Estimation: 15,000 - 25,000 USD

PROVENANCE: Acquired by American missionaries in China in the early 20th century and thence by descent.

NOTE: Mei Xinrong refers to a specific potter, a merchant or perhaps a company known to have worked in Dehua during thesecond half of the 17th century. The mark is associated with similarly styled seated Guanyin, hands hidden withinelegantly draped robes and with finely and thoughtfully rendered facial features. A closely related example is illustrated by P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, New York, 1969, no. 155a.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art. New York | 19 mars 2013 www.sothebys.com