A magnificent gilt-bronze figure of Shakyamuni Buddha

Yongle incised six-character mark and of the period (1403-1424)

Found in Denmark and will be offered in Fine Chinese Art, London, New Bond Street, on 18 May 2023.

Asaph Hyman: “This gilt-bronze figure of Shakyamuni Buddha is exceptionally rare. Only five other Yongle-mark and period figures of Buddha of similar size (21cm high) are known to exist. It is a masterpiece of its type, representing the peak of Chinese Imperial figural bronze sculpture during the early 15th century, as well as the relationship between the Court in Beijing and the hierarchs in Tibet.

“Both Ralph Lexner and I were beyond thrilled when the descendants of Henrik Valdemar Jacobsen showed us this exceptional figure at their family home in Denmark. H.V. Jacobsen acquired this Buddha in the 1920s when he served as the Danish Consul in Harbin, North China (it was also remarkable to see their old family album with photographs from Harbin and Hellerup, Denmark, showing the figure in-situ).

“After returning to Denmark around 1930, Jacobsen’s very impressive collection was dispersed over the years, but this rare Buddha has remained a prized possession of the family for nearly a century.

“The Buddha will be sold as one of the highlights of Bonhams’ Fine Chinese Art auction in London, New Bond Street, on 18 May. London has been one of the most important international centres for selling Chinese art for centuries, offering unparalleled access to the international market, important collectors, museum curators and renowned dealers.”

Ralph Lexner: “I have known the Jacobsen family for several years and previously sold works from their collection in Bruun Rasmussen auctions. The Covid pandemic prevented me from visiting them as usual, so Asaph’s trip to Denmark was a good opportunity to ask them to open their home again.

“Being a part of the Bonhams Network makes it easier to consign high-value lots and sell it to the right collectors, even when they are based in other countries. This way, both Asaph and I can combine our efforts to best serve both our sellers and buyers.”

Bruun Rasmussen is part of the Bonhams Network, a global network of auction houses. This means we can offer your object for sale at the right time and in the best place, no matter where it’s sourced.

Bring it to Bonhams and we'll sell it to the world.

Interested in selling?

Asaph Hyman
Global Head of Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, Bonhams
asaph.hyman@bonhams.com
+44 20 7468 5888

Ralph Lexner
Head of Asian & Islamic Art, Bruun Rasmussen
rl@bruun-rasmussen.dk
+45 88181161

Contact Asaph or Ralph to arrange a free and confidential valuation and receive expert advice, wherever you are. Alternatively, use our simple online form to get a free auction estimate.