Lot 1254. A grey stone Buddhist stele, Sui dynasty (581-618); 17 in. (43 cm.) high. Estimate USD 12,000 - USD 18,000. Price realised USD 21,250. © Christie's Images Ltd 2013

The front is carved with a bodhisattva standing within an arched niche, with right hand raised, the left holding an elixir bottle, and wearing a crown and long bead necklace falling across the front of the dhoti. The figure is flanked by two acolytes standing beside posts on which perch two birds with backward-turned heads.