A Buddhist statue with serene expression, wearing Bodhisattva garments. Seated in dhyanasana on a lotus throne, holding the hands in dhyanamudra. Made of hardwood with gilt lacquering and little paint. Condition: little wear, a short crack on one shoulder (see photo no. 6) and traces of age. Dimension: c. 31.5 cm tall, weight: c. 1.5 kg.

This small bronze incense burner was cast using the lost-wax method, finished with a scraper, and then finely chased. The tail hair and the folds of the elephant's skin are particularly well executed. The subject depicted, a boy on the back of an elephant, is highly symbolic in China and was very popular during the Qing Dynasty, but it existed even before...

An imposing gilt bronze image of the Vidyaraja Yamantaka in congress (yabyum) with his female counterpart. Yamantaka is one of the principal protectors of the Gelugpa tradition, which provided the main imperial preceptors for the Qing rulers. The image is cast of multiple parts held together by short spikes. Qing, late 18th to early 19th cent, Jiaqing-Daoguang period. H 24 cm. Condition: Excellent.

A pair of antique Chinese pewter deer figures, likely from the Qing Dynasty. They are mounted on rectangular wooden plinths featuring carved floral patterns. There are remnants of paint in the revises and a few small cracks on deer bodies. The bodies are with fine details imitating spots that would refer to a Sika Deer that occurs in China. 4.5” x 5". 12 x 13 sm

Gilt bronze Guanyin. China, Ming dynasty, 17th century. The deity is depicted seated in the lotus position. It is cast in bronze using the lost-wax method and gilded with gold leaf over lacquer. Chinese work, Ming dynasty, late 16th/early 17th century. Original gilding, no restoration. Height: 21 cm. Weight: 2.5 kg, which is exceptionally heavy.

Ancient Chinese stucco statues are exceedingly rare. Most were destroyed, and the survivors are badly damaged. The one we are presenting is in exceptional condition. It has not been restored; only the topknot has been replaced. There are very few missing pieces, and the gilding and pigments show very little wear. The damaged areas allow us to see the iron reinforcements (see the forearm and earrings)...

The mask is made of repoussé copper, mercury-gilded, with some parts painted in green and red mineral pigments. It is a very fine example of 18th-19th century Tibetan monastic craftsmanship. The repoussé work is of high quality, and the mercury gilding is excellent. An embroidered silk band hangs from the mask; this type of object was used to protect temples from demonic attacks. The gilding and pigments are original. There are no repairs. The silk band is sewn onto a thick reinforcing canvas...

Yamantaka (Vajrabhairava) mask in repoussé and gilded copper. Tibet or Nepal, 19th century. The mask represents the fearsome bull-headed deity Yamantaka. Between the horns appears the skull, a symbol of victory over ignorance and death. A major monastic work in repoussé copper, gilded with mercury, with details in mineral pigments. Made in several parts assembled by brazing and welding, traces of which are visible in some photos...

A Tibeto-Chinese precious deep purple sandalwood (Zitan mu) figure depicting Buddha Sakyamuni with the begging bowl in his left hand and the right hand in the “Bumisparsa Mudra”, the gesture of touching the earth. The rich garment pattern has been wonderfully rendered with golden paint, the same deep, gold paint has been applied to the face and upper body, arms and feet. Lips in vermilion red. Dark blue color to the ushnisa...

Charming small antique carved and lacquered panel depicting three Immortals and a crane in garden. Either an architectural or furniture element. Excellent condition. L: 19.5cm/7.8in and W: 7.3cm/2.9in.

This life sized Chinese cast iron head of Buddha features a relaxed, benevolent expression with downcast gaze consistent with the introspective Southern Song dynasty and is probably from the period. The elongated ears are unadorned though each appearing to retain a small pin from the casting process. The hair, with part at the forehead, is consistent with earlier castings of Buddha from the Song dynasty and features evenly spaced whorls instead of tightly arranged curls...

This Chinese, Ming dynasty figure of Dizang (in Sanskrit, Ksitigarbha), often depicted as a monk, is cast in iron. Details are finely carved into the surface including decoration of the lotus base, trim and elements of the jiāshā (robe), and the figure's facial features. At least three small iron pins and one pin hole remain at inconspicuous points, attesting to the casting process (look for these in the last two enlargement images)...

Beautiful impressed clay votive image of the Tibetan Lama Tsongkhapa, founder of the Gelug Yellow Hat, circa 20th century. Please note that features are far sharper and more detailed in real life that the photo can capture. Scale in enlargements

Beautiful impressed clay votive image of the Buddha as Amitabha surrounded with smaller images, writing, circa 20th century. Please note that features are far sharper and more detailed in real life that the photo can capture. Scale in enlargements

Beautiful impressed clay votive image of the Buddha as Amitabha surrounded with smaller images, writing, circa 20th century. Please note that features are far sharper and more detailed in real life that the photo can capture. Scale in enlargements

Beautiful impressed clay votive image of the Buddha as Amitabha surrounded with smaller images, writing, circa 20th century. Please note that features are far sharper and more detailed in real life that the photo can capture. Scale in enlargements

Beautiful impressed clay votive image of the Buddha as Shakyamuni, with Tibetan writing, circa 20th century. Please note that features are far sharper and more detailed in real life that the photo can capture. Scale in enlargements

Rare pair of animals mat weights carved in soft white stone circa Han Dynasty or earlier. Quite unusual, I have never seen anything like these before. They have been repaired, see enlargements for scale. These have good water absorption as well as a string petrichor- what makes me think these are a stone is that they are actually softer than pottery of the period.