Rare Wooden Chinese Buddha Statue, Believed to Fetch $1.29 Million, to be Auctioned at Bonhams in Paris
PARIS — In a highly anticipated event, a magnificent and exceptionally rare large wooden Chinese Buddha statue is set to be auctioned at Bonhams in Paris on Tuesday. With an estimated value of 1.2 million euros ($1.29 million), this auction marks the first time that Bonhams is hosting a dedicated Chinese art sale in the French capital.
The statue, which originated from a distinguished French family, has a fascinating lineage. Passed down through generations, it was inherited from their grandfather, who passed away in 1935. The exquisite artifact has since remained preserved within this private French collection, although the exact circumstances of its journey to Europe remain undisclosed, as stated by Caroline Schulten, the head of Chinese art at Bonhams, in an exclusive interview with the Global Times on Monday.
According to Bonhams, the sculpture portrays the Bodhisattva Guanyin, seated in a serene and contemplative posture. Crafted during the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234), most likely in the 11th or 12th century, the statue exudes a sense of compassion and serenity, captivating viewers with its gentle countenance and lifelike presence, as attested by Schulten.
The statue’s earlier history reveals its connection to Chinese collector Paul Houo Ming-tse. Its significance is documented in Houo’s antique compendium published in 1930, and it was subsequently sold at a special auction held in 1932 at Drouot in Paris.
What makes this particular artifact truly exceptional is not only its rarity but also the fragile material from which it is fashioned. “It’s very special because there are not many pieces like this that have survived, and the ones that do are usually housed in museums. Wood is a delicate medium that can deteriorate over time,” explained Schulten.
She further elaborated on the statue’s journey, stating that it left China during a period of upheaval when many wooden figures faced destruction. Some were sold, but only a few managed to endure, and this statue stands as one of those precious survivors.
However, time has taken its toll on the artwork, with the loss of its legs and hands. Schulten speculates on the reasons behind this damage, attributing it to the challenges of moving and storing such sizable and intricately assembled wooden sculptures.
“It is likely that the damage we see in the catalog predates its departure from the temple, as these statues were originally constructed from different pieces of wood,” she emphasized.
Intriguingly, only a handful of similar statues of this kind are believed to exist worldwide, with the majority housed within museum collections. Schulten expressed the possibility that additional pieces from this group may still be found in France, Belgium, or Switzerland, underscoring the significance of this auction as a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Bonhams’ Asian Art Week in Paris, taking place from June 9 to 16, features a Chinese art auction on Tuesday as the highlight. Over 100 exceptional artworks, including Buddhist art, porcelain, jade, and other fine art pieces, will be presented during this highly anticipated event.
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