Page 91 - Bonhams ASIAN ART, November 1 2021 London

TP
256 *
A LARGE GILT-LACQUERED
POLYCHROME WOOD FIGURE OF A
LUOHAN
18th century
The figure finely modelled seated, holding a
sutra in each hand, wearing long loose-fitting
patchwork robes decorated with scrolling
designs, secured at the waist and falling
in deep folds around the body, the face
realistically rendered with an alert expression
finely detailed with arched eyebrows,
inset eyes and wrinkles, traces of gilt and
polychrome designs remaining. 64cm (25in)
high
£5,000 - 8,000
HK$53,000 - 85,000
CNY44,000 - 71,000
Provenance: A European private collection

Luohans are regarded as the original
disciples of Buddha and sets of them,
numbering from sixteen to five hundred,
were enshrined in larger Buddhist temples.
As a means of attaining merit, donors would
commission individual images and dedicate
the merit to deceased family members.
Wealthier devotees could commission entire
sets.

Compare with a related polychrome gesso
and carved wood figure of a luohan, Ming/ 256
Qing dynasty, which was sold at Sotheby’s
New York, 15 March 2017, lot 546.

257
A LACQUERED WOOD HEAD OF
GUANYIN
Probably Ming Dynasty
The full, rounded face with a serene
expression and downcast eyes, the hair
pulled up in a chignon behind the elaborate
crown.
35.5cm (14in) high (2).
£800 - 1,200
HK$8,500 - 13,000
CNY7,100 - 11,000

257

For details of the charges payable in addition to the final Hammer Price of each Lot
please refer to paragraphs 7 & 8 of the Notice to Bidders at the back of the catalogue. ASIAN ART | 89