Lot 42. A smokey rock crystal figure of Amitabha, 19th century. Estimate GBP 8,000 - GBP 12,000. Price realised GBP 428,750. © Christie's Image Ltd 2017

The figure is carved with his hair in tightly curled whorls above a serene face with his eyes downcast, wearing long robes open at the chest. He is seated in padmasana on a double lotus base holding his hands in front of him. The base is incised with a four-character seal mark reading 'Wan Fo Lou cang' which may be translated as 'Collection of the Pavilion of Ten Thousand Buddhas'. The stone is of a greyish clear tone with natural veins and inclusions. 8 ½ in. (21.5 cm.) high