Chinese Ming Seated Magistrate Figurine

A large gilt bronze Shakyamuni Buddha figure seated cross-legged in virasana on a semi-circular lotus flower dais, right hand in bhumisparsha mudra, the left resting on his lap, wearing a samghati adorned with floral motifs, his face with a meditative expression and with downcast eyes below arched eyebrows, aquiline nose, gentle smile, elongated earlobes, the hair in tight curls surmounted by a flame. 99.5 kg, 95 cm high



French collection, 1960s-early 2000s. From an important Paris gallery, France. with Ogotai (?) Auctions, Paris, France, 22 January 2016, lot 2. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11714-199350.

The historical Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, (born Prince Siddhartha Gautama) was the founder of the Buddhist religion; he lived and taught in 6th century India. Born to a royal or aristocratic family of the Shakya kingdom, at age 29 he learned of the deep suffering experience by the people of his land, causing him to relinquish his title and palace home and after six years of study, self-sacrifice and meditation, became an enlightened Buddha. Here, Buddha is shown seated in a yogic meditative posture, his right hand gesturing towards the Earth Goddess at the moment prior to his enlightenment. He displays many of the lakshanas, or auspicious marks of Buddhahood- the extended earlobes remind the viewer of his former princely status; three rings around the neck; urna formed from a curl of hair.

A substantial necklace composed of multiple strands of lapis lazuli beads, tapering round-section arms decorated with dragons amidst swirling clouds between coral and turquoise collars, larger lapis lazuli beads interspersed with white metal beaded spacer beads; Himalayan region. 201 grams, 60.5 cm



with a London, UK gallery 1971-early 2000s.

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.