Page 151 - Bonhams Fine Chinese Art November 2018

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A VERY FINE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF AVALOKITESHVARA The remarkable figure is particularly notable for the refined level of
17th/18th century detailing, noted in the meticulous scroll work decorating the pedestal
Finely cast with serene expression on the face and framed by and the hem of the dhoti, which captures a sense of majesty
pendulous ears, surmounted by a leaf crown cast with Amitabha associated with Avalokiteshvara. The blending of Chinese and
Buddha, seated in rajalilasana on a ledge incised with floral scrolls, Indo-Himalayan elements, which the figure appears to incorporate,
with the left arm resting on the bent left knee and holding the wish- emerged at the end of the Yuan dynasty. A typical feature of Nepalese
fulfilling pearl, the right arm supporting a kalasha vase in the palm, iconography, the hair arranged in multiple and long braids is depicted
the Bodhisattva clad in loose clothing cascading and adorned with on a slender figure defined by broad shoulders tapering down to a
ornamental jewellery. narrow waist and long legs, which are typical elements derived from
17.6cm (6 7/8in) high. the Chinese tradition.

£4,000 - 6,000 Seated in the pose of ‘royal ease’ and holding the wish-fulfilling pearl
CNY36,000 - 54,000 representing the luminous, pure and flawless state of mind, the deity
probably depicts the Water-Moon Guanyin, an iconography derived
from Tang dynasty paintings.
十七/十八世纪 銅鎏金觀音菩薩半跏趺坐像
Compare with a similar but larger gilt-bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara,
Provenance: Sir William Henry Wilkinson (1858-1930), Consul General 16th/17th century, illustrated by the Chang Foundation, Buddhist
in China between 1900 and 1917, and thence by descent Images in Gilt Metal, Taipei, 1993, p.85, fig.no.35. A related gilt-bronze
figure of Avalokiteshvara, 18th century, was sold at Sotheby’s Hong
來源： Kong, 2 December 2016, lot 787.
William Henry Wilkinson爵士（1858-1930年）收藏，1900至1917年
期間任駐華領事，並由後人保存迄今

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. FINE CHINESE ART | 147