Lot 156. A carved wood head of Guanyin, Song dynasty (960-1279). Estimate 6,000 — 8,000 USD. Lot sold 40,000  USD. Photo: Sotheby's.

well carved, the oval face with a serene expression with arched brows above heavily lidded eyes inset with dark glass, above a straight nose and full lips with traces of red pigment, the hair pulled back from the face in even grooves to reveal the pendulous earlobes, all beneath an elaborate jeweled crown with traces of lacquer, wood stand (2) - Height 12 in., 30.5 cm

Provenance: Collection of Henry Guinness de Laszlo (1901-1967), and thence by descent.

Sotheby's. Important Chinese Art, New York, 13 Sep 2016, 10:30 AM