A magnificent Dehua figure of Guanyin, attributed to Hui Jiang, 17th century. Estimate £800 - 1,200 (€1,100 - 1,600). Photo Bonhams

The Goddess of Mercy modelled kneeling on a tall rockwork plinth, the body draped in long cascading robes opening at the chest to reveal a pendant, the hair coiled up into a chignon and fastened with a tiara and hairpin, the serene face with a small urna and peaceful, downcast eyes, the left hand holding a small scroll, wood stand, fitted box. 32cm (12 5/8in) high (3).

Notes: Guanyin, the gentle Goddess of Mercy, is expertly carved seated with a contemplative downcast gaze and serene expression. The consummate skill of the master is revealed by the fine carving of the hair in a high chignon, bound by an intricate tiara and hairpin, as well as the exposed right foot and graceful hands, the left hand gently clasping a delicately carved scroll. Especially worthy of note is the richly sculpted robe, falling in flowing folds, contrasting with the rocky pedestal to create a heightened sense of texture. 

Although the present lot is unmarked, the face, hair, robe and rockwork bear a strong resemblance to a blanc-de-chine sculpture of Guanyin by Hui Jiang, illustrated by P.J. Donnelly in Blanc De Chine, New York, 1969, pl.82. Donnelly placed Hui Jiang under the category of 'hermits', but admitted that due to lack of data, Hui Jiang could not be represented in his book and dated him to around the second half of the 17th century. However, the present lot may also be compared with another very similar figure of Guanyin, without rockwork, in the Palace Museum, Beijing, He Chaozong mark, illustrated in Gugong Guanyin tudian, Beijing, 2012, no.177. This would strongly suggest that the present lot was made in the early 17th century, around the same time as He Chaozong, the greatest of the Dehua potters, was active. See another very similar figure of Guanyin, He Chaozong mark, illustrated by J.Ayers in Blanc De Chine: Divine Images in Porcelain, New York, 2002, p.83, no.34. 

Compare with a similar blanc-de-chine figure of Guanyin, seated on rockwork and clasping a scroll, sold at Christie's New York, 24 March 2011, lot 1161.

Bonhams. ASIAN ART, 9 Nov 2015 10:30 GMT - LONDON, KNIGHTSBRIDGE