Blanc de chine figure of Budai
133
A blanc-de-chine figure of Damo
Late Qing Dynasty, impressed mark Boji yuren
Modelled seated with the hands resting on the raised right knee but hidden beneath the folds of the gown opening at the neck to reveal the thin ribs, the right foot exposed, and the expression of contemplation intensified by the fierce curling eyebrows, moustache and beard beneath the bald head. 24.2cm (9½in) high
Estimate:
£2,000 - 3,000
HK$ 24,000 - 36,000
CNY 19,000 - 29,000

Footnotes

  • Provenance: an Italian private collection


    The mark Boji yuren ([Virtue] extends to all, [even] fishermen) is found almost exclusively on figures, and was frequently used by the late Qing/early Republic artist Su Xuejin (1869-1919).

    This figure is recognisable as Damo or Bodhidharma undergoing his nine-year period of meditation by the fierce eyes, modelled without eyelids, since legends told that he cut off his eyelids to ensure he would not fall asleep during this long meditation.

Category: Asian Art / Chinese Works of Art

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Contacts

James Hammond Bonhams
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Specialist - Chinese Works of Art