An Yixing stoneware seated figure of Guanyin, Signed Shi Dabin. Photo courtesy Bonhams.
Seated in a relaxed posture with the left leg pendant and right leg tucked underneath, the Goddess of Mercy with long hair neatly tied and gently falling over the shoulders, her visage with compassionate downcast eyes in deep contemplation, wearing a loose flowing robe incised at the hem and fastened at the waist, her left hand holding a string of prayer beads and the right resting atop two sutras, the rear with a series of dated dedicatory kaishu inscriptions followed by the potter's signature, the stoneware of a creamy coffee-brown colour with intense speckles of gold all around, fitted box. 10cm high. (2). Estimate HK$ 250,000 - 350,000 (€24,000 - 33,000)
Provenance: Gong Xinzhao collection (1870-1949) (affixed label)
Compare a similar but standing Yixing stoneware Guanyin also bearing the signature of Shi Dabin from the Chen Keli collection (1908- after 1985), illustrated by Lai Fulai and Chen Keli, Yangxian shaqi jingpin tupu, (An Illustrated Collection of Fine Stonewares of Yangxian), Taipei, 1985, pl.10, and another closely related Guanyin illustrated by Jan Shing-Hwa, I-Hsing Pottery, Taipei, 1982, p.165, where the author believed the sculpture was hand crafted by Shi Dabin.
Bonhams.MASTERPIECES OF YIXING STONEWARE FROM THE MR AND MRS JIMMY SHA COLLECTION. Hong Kong. 24 Nov 2013 13:30 CST - www.bonhams.com