A large Chinese carved wood figure of Manjusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. Yuan/Ming dynasty (1279-1644)

A large Chinese carved wood figure of Manjusri, the bodhisattva of wisdom. Yuan/Ming dynasty (1279-1644). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd 2010

Seated on a recumbent mythical lion, the Manjusri with a serene countenance, wearing long robes and a five-leaf diadem accommodating a seated Amitabha - 56 in. (142 cm.) high - Estimate : £12,000 - £18,000

Provenance: Purchased in Hong Kong, circa 1970 by Mrs. Mamie Howe, and thence by descent to her sister, Baroness Dunn, 1987.

Notes: Manjusri is also known as Wenshushili Pusa, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, and its imagery is often found together with Sakyamuni and Samantabhadra (Puxian Pusa). The latter is usually portrayed seated on an elephant. A gilded and painted wood figure of similar proportion sold Christie's New York, 24 March 2004, lot 116.

Christie's. The Sunday Sale - Property from the Collection of The Baroness Dunn. 14 March 2010. London, South Kensington www.christies.com