Lot 126. A Dehua figure of Guanyin, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 13 7/8 in. (35 cm.) high.  Estimate GBP 8,000 - GBP 12,000 (USD 10,288 - USD 15,432) © Christie's Images Ltd 2017. 

The bodhisattva is modelled with hands held in the respectful gesture of salutation, anjali mudra. A well-detailed foliate crown centered around a depiction of Amitabha Buddha surmounts the head above the serene face which has a 'third eye' in the centre of the forehead. The bodhisattva, draped in long robes and flowing scarves, is seated in dhyanasana on a double lotus base. The reverse is inscribed Shanren Chen Wei, which may be translated as 'The Mountain man Chen Wei', with an impressed seal from the artist.

Note: The base is incised with the signature Shanren Chen Wei (The mountain man Chen Wei or The hermit Chen Wei) in regular script, followed by the impressed seal mark of Chen Wei in a square.

The ceramic sculptor Chen Wei (dates unknown) is discussed by P.J. Donnelly in Blanc de Chine, New York, 1969, pp. 284, and cites a Dehua figure of Guanyin in the British Museum, London, that bears the same inscription and seal as the present piece, pp. 359.  

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics And Works of Art, 9 May 2017, London, King Street