Lot 3187. A rare Ming bamboo root carving of Damo, Ming dynasty, 16th century; 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) wide. Estimate HKD 180,000 - HKD 220,000. Price Realized HKD 200,000. © Christie's Images Ltd 2010 

The rounded figure of the immortal exquisitely carved seated with a voluminous robe covering his bent legs and entire body, falling in folds around him and extending outwards at the rear, his finely detailed bearded face emerging from beneath the folds in a contemplative expression with eyes half-closed below prominent eyebrows and cheekbones, box.  

Note: The expressive features, patina and soft stylised lines of the carving suggest an early date for this figure. Compare three figural carvings attributed to the 16th century included in the University of Hong Kong Museum and Art Gallery Exhibition, Ming and Qing Bamboo, Hong Kong, 2000, and illustrated by S. Kwan in the catalogue, nos. 5, 6 and 7 where the author mentions that figural carving of immortals were popular in the late Ming and are characterised by their rounded features and prominent cheekbones carved in a 'simple yet detailed manner'.

Christie's. Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, 1 December 2010, Hong Kong