A RARE BRONZE FIGURE OF A LUOHAN, YUAN-MING DYNASTY

China, 1279-1644. Finely modeled, seated with his left hand resting on a raised knee, the bold head turned slightly to one side in a serene and contemplative expression. The downcast eyes are set beneath gently arched brows, with elongated earlobes and a prominent forehead suggesting heightened wisdom. He is dressed in flowing, elegant robes with pleats that cascade to the ground, intricately incised with floral and scroll motifs. With traces of red pigments and gilding.

Provenance: Gerard Hawthorn, Hampshire, England. The private collection of Jules Speelman, London, acquired from the above. Gerard Hawthorn joined Sydney L. Moss Ltd in 1963 and later became an independent art dealer, assisting the world’s leading collectors and museums in acquiring rare Chinese antiques. Additionally, he formed his own collection of Chinese art, especially Yixing stoneware, which before their sale in November 2011 was regarded as one of the world’s greatest and most distinguished collection of Yixing wares by a single owner. Gerard Hawthorn is also the author of the catalog series ‘Oriental Works of Art’, which features fine works of art from China, Japan, and Korea. Jules Speelman is a world-leading dealer and collector of East Asian art with 60 years of experience. In 1964 he joined his late father, Alfred, in the family business which already stretched back three generations to 19th century Holland and expanded into England around the turn of the century. Originally, A & J Speelman dealt with antiques, from European ceramics, silver, tapestries, and furniture to Chinese porcelain, and works of art. With his father, Jules gradually shifted the focus towards Asia and under Jules Speelman's skilled direction, A & J Speelman is now considered amongst the foremost dealers in Asian antiques, with a particular emphasis on figurative sculpture and works of art from the past 2000 years.
Condition: Very good condition with tiny nicks, scratches, dents, and typical age-related wear. Extensive remnants of gilt and pigments.

Height: 784 g
Dimensions: Height 13.2 cm

Luohan, also known as Arhats or 'Destroyers of the Passions', vary in numbers between 16 and 108 and were depicted in Chinese art from the Tang dynasty onwards. The group of sixteen Arhats was first mentioned in the Indian 'Mahayanavataraka' scriptures, which were translated into Chinese in 437, whilst the full transcript of the sixteen names was given by the pilgrim monk Xuan Zang in in 653, with the additional two that were probably adopted towards the end of the 10th century.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 20 March 2013, lot 344
Price: USD 16,250 or approx. EUR 20,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A bronze figure of a seated Luohan, 17^th/18^th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling, manner of casting, and decoration with similar pose, expression, and incised hems.

Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 20 September 2022, lot 130
Price: USD 50,400 or approx. EUR 49,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A bronze figure of ascetic Shakyamuni Buddha, Yuan / Ming dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related modeling and manner of casting with similar garment folds and expression. Note the size (17.2 cm).

Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Bonhams London, 2 November 2023, lot 313
Price: GBP 6,400 or approx. EUR 8,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A rare gilt-bronze figure of a luohan, Yuan dynasty
Expert remark: Compare the closely related subject. Note the gilding and size (10.3 cm).