Lot 1021. A small gilt-bronze seated figure of a bodhisattva, Liao Dynasty (AD 907-1125); 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm.) high. Estimate USD 20,000 - USD 30,000. Price realised USD 75,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2014

The bodhisattva is well cast and shown seated in dhyanasana on a raised lotus pedestal base, with the right hand in vitarkamudra and the left hand in dhyanamudra. The hair is dressed in a tall upswept coiffure ornamented with 'jewels' above a diadem tied with long ribbons that trail down onto the shoulders and arms.

Note: This small well-cast figure is related to other small gilt-bronze votive figures of Liao dynasty date, such as those illustrated in Fojiao diaosu mingpin tulu (Images of Famous Buddhist Sculpture), Beijing, 1997, nos. 406 (on a similar base), 407 and 410.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, New York, 18 - 19 September 2014