Lot 3198. A very rare gilt-lacquered wood figure of multi-armed Avalokiteshvara, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 18 7/8 in. (47.9 cm.) high. Estimate $20,000 - $ 30,000. Price realised $37,500. © Christie's Image Ltd 2015.

The tantric bodhisattva is seated in padmasana with the primary hands held in a tantric mudra and the others outstretched. He is dressed in flowing robes and adorned with jewelry and sashes. The face is downcast with heavy-lidded eyes and the hair is pulled up into a topknot above three diminutive faces on the back of the head, one wrathful, the second of beast form, and the last peaceful.

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 15 - 16 March 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza