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Christie's Offers Eastern Art This Fall

Alysha Sideman in New York

Christie's is offering a rich variety of Asian art for sale this fall. The largest and most comprehensive sale that Christie's has ever offered in this category, the items include select pieces from India, Nepal, China and Thailand. The items were created between the 10th and 15th centuries.

The top lot is an important large bronze figure of Padmapani with silver eyes and copper inlaid lips, created in the aftermath of the Second Transmission of Buddhism to Tibet. From western Tibet, the figure was made in the late 11th to early 12th century (estimated at between $ 250,000 and $ 300,000).

Also featured is an important bronze portrait figure of Atisha, bearing an inscription stating that it originally contained relics of Atisha and of his primary disciple Drom Donpa. From Tibet, it was made in the 13th century (estimated between $ 120,000 and $ 150,000).

Two further portrait bronzes include Tsondu Zangpo, the great sage and master engineer, credited with the construction of most historical bridges in Tibet to facilitate communication and the spread of the Buddhist Dharma. From Tibet, it was fashioned in the 15th century (estimated between $ 60,000 and $ 80,000). There is also a fine early bronze figure of Milarepa, the poet and singer, holding his hand to his ear, a characteristic he is identified with, suggesting he is hearing the echoes of nature. The figure is Tibeto-Chinese and was made in the 14th century (estimated at between $ 80,000 and $ 120,000).

A large and important bronze figure of a Walking Buddha, a striking Thai iconic invention, representing both the Buddha's earthly travels and his descent from heaven has come from Thailand. It was created in the 15th/16th century (estimated between $ 100,000 and $ 150,000)

Other highlights are: