A tiny, centuries-old Buddhist bronze figure created in northeastern India sold for £273,000 (about $343,800) on May 13. Image courtesy of Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers
STANSTED MOUNTFICHET, UK – A 900-year-old bronze figure of a Buddhist deity smashed all expectations to bring £273,000 (about US$343,800) during an Asian art sale at Sworders Fine Art Auctioneers on May 13. The diminutive figure of the four-faced, eight-armed goddess Amoghapasa (a name that means wisdom giver) had been consigned from a private source with modest hopes. The Buddha was found in the bottom of a box of miscellaneous metalware by Sworders Asian art specialist Yexue Li. The seller, who was described as “shell-shocked,” has subsequently invited specialists back to their house to look through further items.