Asian treasures abound in London Antique Buddha’s May 16 sale
Sino Thai bronze 16th-century Buddha. Image courtesy London Antique Buddha.
A collective venture, London Antique Buddha presents treasured artworks at auction that previously graced temples, homes and offices. Each piece is an artwork with provenance.
“We get expert advice on our collection and take specific care to look at the heritage of our antique Buddhas,” said Shira Bassi of London Antique Buddha. “In our current collection we have pieces to suit every budget, from the Shakayamuni Buddha, a Ming Dynasty bronze estimated at £5,000-£7,000, to more modestly priced antique bronzes of similar type.” Examples would be Lots number 26, 28, 5 and 12.
The auction features other art pieces that one would see in temples. A fine example is an ivory pagoda shrine with intricate carvings of monks, and a Kuan Yin statue.
There are pieces from the Qing Dynasty in Chinese blanc de chine and a Guanyin seated statue holding a ruyi scepter. The latter piece has some restoration, “but the tranquility emanating from this Bodhisattva invites us to find our own inner peace,” Bassi said.
Of Dehua porcelain, a Guanyin of Japanese origin dates to the late 16th century. There are also other Kuan Yin pieces in soapstone, boxwood, ivory and jade; as well as several Sino Thai Buddhas, one of them (Lot 89) dating from the 16th century. Lot 22, a Japanese wood Kuan Yin, is adorned with a separately carved necklace and reveals attractive blue paint beneath its gilt surface.
In addition to scholars, monks and Buddhas, the sale offers other spiritual pieces representing Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. The artifacts are of jade, ivory, bronze and agate; and there are rosary beads and some pieces of jewelry. Jade daggers and other objects used in spiritual ceremonies are entered in the sale, as well.
For additional information on any item in the auction, call 011 44 207 1830067 or e-mail Buddha@londonantiquebuddha.com.
View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.
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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE
Sino Thai bronze 16th-century Buddha. Image courtesy London Antique Buddha.
Shakayamuni buddha in gilt bronze. Image courtesy London Antique Buddha.
Japanese kuan yin in wood. Image courtesy London Antique Buddha.
Dehua Chinese guan yin. Image courtesy London Antique Buddha.
Bronze medicine Buddha. Image courtesy London Antique Buddha.
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