NEW YORK – Gianguan’s January auction features a collection of Buddhist and devotional art led by magnificent statutes. The marquee item in the Jan. 30 auction is Lot 16, Western Wei, a stone carving of seated Guanyin. Bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers.

The statue (above) is cast seated in dhyanasana with hands clasped above the folded legs and wearing a plain monastic robe draped over his shoulders leaving the torso bare and falling over his knees. His face bears a meditative expression with bow-shaped eyes and a plump mouth below a broad nose, all framed by long pendulous earlobes and smooth hair covering the ushnisha. It is estimated at $20,000-$30,000.

Another offering is Lot 38, Wastern Qi, a rare dated gilt-bronze Buddhist votive shrine cast as Six Buddhas seated on a flame-shaped mandorla. It is all supported on a bracketed base with date and dedicatory inscription on the back, commissioned by a son commemorating his mother with the hope that she will bless him and his family. Its age-resistant composite made it the perfect medium for the deceased to complete its eternal journey (est. $8,000-$15,000).

Equally dramatic are two Qing Dynasty gilt crystal figures. Lot 143, the Bodhisattva Vajrapani, possesses the power of the removal of obstacles and the conquest of negativity through fierce determination, as seen in the vajra held in his raised right hand while striding in alidhasana on a lotus base (est. $6,000-$8,000).

The other one is Lot 66, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, also known as Dizang Pusa. Cloaked in flowing robes, holding the staff on the right and a wish-granting pearl on the left hand, the figure is cast standing upright on a lotus base (est. $6,000-$8,000). Remarkable for their sumptuous decorative style, gilt embossed crystal Bodhisattvas represent the interim state between the seen and unseen worlds.

Favorite with our collectors are the curated collections of Chinese paintings and calligraphy. From Qi Baishi, Lot 90, comes the Flowers and Insects Album. The album’s 10 leaves are painted with strong color contrast. The dragonfly, mantis, grasshoppers and silkworm moth are juxtaposed with flowers and vegetables that are portrayed with scrupulously painted brushstrokes. The insects are executed in a colorful, yet freely sketched manner. This album is a collection of Di Chuqing (est. $30,000-$40,000). As a print magnate, Di had a close relationship with the leaders and elites of all walks of life. He was also a famous collector and often promoted the calligraphy and painting business.

View Lot 67 to experience the pure joy of color in devotional art. From the Qing Dynasty is an inscribed saffron red Ningxia banner carpet with lama motif. It represents a tribute for the royal family for birthday celebrations with a Buddhism motif and symbol ornamentation. The Tibetan lama is cloaked in reddish-brown with prayer beads on his forearms, bringing forth the Heart Temple, the symbol of universal great perfection: Buddha, Dharma, Sangha. The inscription in Manchurian translates to abundant good health, wealth and happiness (est. $6,000-$8,000).

For aficionados of Chinese seals, the highlight lot is a Qing Dynasty set of spinach-green jade trifold seals with a dragon knop, Lot 19. Sacred and imperial, the top seal face is carved with seal-script characters Tongzhi Yubi in relief. Masterfully crafted in three folds, the rectangular seal houses a set of five seals within its chamber. The lot includes a fitted zitan box (est. $25,000-$30,000).

The remarkable kilns of the Song Dingyao produced not only its superior white wares but also luminous and translucent color glazes with crackles. Lots 119, 123, 125, 127 and 128 display simplicity, subtlety and spontaneity in an art form that predates modern design. All have moderate estimates of $1,500 – $2,500.

For details contact the Gallery Director Mary Ann at 212-867-7288 or email info@gianguanauctions.com.

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