Lot 3200. A rare bronze figure of Akshobhya, Ming dynasty (1368-1644); 14 in. (35.6 cm.) high. Estimate $12,000 - $ 18,000. Price realised $23,750. © Christie's Image Ltd 2015.

The Buddha is seated in dhyanasana on a double-lotus base with his hands held in bhumisparsha mudra. He is dressed in voluminous robes and wears a foliate tiara. The face is serene with downcast expression.

Provenance: Warren Imports, Laguna Beach, California, 1993.

Note: Bhumisparsha mudra (the 'earth witness' gesture) is reserved for images of Buddha Shakyamuni and the Dhyani Buddha, Akshobhya. As Shakyamuni is traditionally depicted as an unadorned ascetic, the presence of the crown on this figure identifies him as Akshobhya. The latter is a concept of Tibetan-style Vajrayana Buddhism, which was introduced to China during the Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368).

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