Chinese Han Style Garment Fastener

A gilt-bronze figure (after the Gandharan style, or that of the neighbouring Uddiyana region), of Shakyamuni Buddha modelled with his hands clasped together in dhyana mudra and seated in the dhyanasana posture on a throne flanked by two roaring lions; robes with U-shaped folds in the Mathuran style and the head with a prominent ushnisha. 95 grams, 70 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired for the ‘Buckingham Collection’ by the late Nik Douglas (1944-2012), renowned author, curator and Asian art expert; the collection formed from the early 1960s to early 1970s; displayed at the major exhibition ‘The Buddha Image: Out of Uddiyana’, Tibet House, 22 West 15th Street, New York, 16 September-20 October 2010, extended to 16 November and again to 7 January 2011; where the collection of one hundred pieces was publicly valued at US$ 15M; this piece was scheduled to be included in an exhibition titled ‘On the Silk Route; Birth of The Buddha’, to be held in London from November 2012, but sadly his death prevented this. Accompanied by copies of several press releases and articles for the exhibition, including Artnet News, This Week in New York, Huffpost, Buddhist Art News, and copies of the relevant London and Tibet House exhibition catalogue pages. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.10907-168639.

Gandhara was a principal gateway through which Buddhism spread to China. Academic research conducted after the death of Nik Douglas (above) explains that Gandharan sculpture has been found in neighbouring regions, such as in Uddiyana. Sculpture from the Gandharan and Uddiyana regions has similar characteristics and as a result has often remained undifferentiated. As a result of this recent research however, it is becoming more feasible to identify distinctions between the sculpture of these different regions.

A pair of ceramic mounted hunter figures, each modelled in the round on an integral rectangular base; horses standing facing with pricked ears, cropped manes and dressed tails, wearing bridles, harnesses and cruppers with studs and pendants; seated riders turned left in their saddles, directing their attention skywards, arms and hands positioned as though drawing bows (now absent); one saddle cloth possibly designed to mimic animal skin, the other with a floral design; successful kills slung over each horse's rump; extensive remains of polychrome pigmentation. 7.8 kg total, 40.5-41.5 cm high

Fine condition.

Acquired 1970-1990s. From a private West Country collection. Accompanied by two original thermoluminescence analysis report nos.C122g64 and C122g68 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11517-195275.

A bronze finial or mount in the form of the head of a fantastical creature, with bovine-like ears and eyes, bifurcated horns with erupting flowers, a lozenge in relief to its forehead and detailing to eyebrows and upper lip; hollow reverse with tapering rectangular lug. 90 grams, 60 mm high

Fine condition.

Acquired 1980-1990s. From a West Country collection.