A rare and unusual lacquered bronze seated figure of Buddha, Southern China or Vietnam, 14th - 15th Century. Photo Nagel Auktionen

seated in dhyanasana with left hand clutching a pearl or a mala bead in his lap, the right hand raised, the slender, elongated body draped in long, flowing robes covering both shoulders and exposing the chest and sash, the serene face with delicate features, the hair in tight curls, with remnants of gold laquer, particularly on the upper body. H. 47 cm - Estimate 32000 €

Compare with Chinese manufacture of provincial workshops: The casting of this sculpture suggests Chinese manufacture, although likely the product of a provincal workshop. Some of the characteristics exhibited in the present lot, including the treatment of the facial features, bear resemblance to some bronzes found in the Dali Kingdom of Yunnan. However, the elongated body, arms and fingers may point to influences further south, possibly those of Vietnam.

No similar examples appear to have been published, and it is quite possible this sculpture is the result of numerous cultural influences

- Former property of a private American collection, purchased at Christie's, New York, 22.03.2007, lot 2007

Nagel Auktionen. 2013/05/08. http://www.auction.de/