Lot 178. A gilt-lacquered wood figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, Ming dynasty, circa 15th century. Hauteur: 36,5 cm. (14 ¼ in.). Estimate EUR 15,000 - EUR 25,000. Price realised EUR 81,250. © Christie’s Images Limited 2018.

Il est représenté assis en vajrasana avec les mains en dhyanamudra. Il est vêtu d'une robe monastique formant d'harmonieux plis. Son visage est serein et ses cheveux sont coiffés en boucles surmontées du ratna.

Provenance: Acquired in Shanghai circa 1900 by the great-grand-uncle of the present owner, thence by descent in the family.

Note: The collector went to China as a naval commissioner for the French navy. After China he returned to France where he worked as a lawyer for a few years. However the call of the sea was too strong for the young man and he went to Alexandria in Egypt where he became a specialist of maritime law. He continued to collect works of art. This Buddha figure was very important to him as he carried it with him on all his travels. He had a special devotion and attachment to the Buddha figure.