The third highest hammer price in the history of Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers: Chinese Buddha figure sold for EUR 2.4 million (including buyer’s premium)

The third highest hammer price ever in the history of Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers has just been achieved. The result was a dizzying EUR 2.4 million / USD 2.7 million / DKK 17.55 million including buyer’s premium, when a rare Chinese Buddha figure was sold in the centre of Copenhagen on Wednesday afternoon.

The over 43 cm high and more than 17 kilo heavy Buddha figure surprised everyone in the saleroom, when it after more than 10 minutes of an exciting bidding war between many potential buyers was sold for no less than EUR 2.4 million / USD 2.7 million / DKK 17.55 million including buyer’s premium against an estimate of DKK 2-3 million. The figure thereby achieved the third highest hammer price in the history of Bruun Rasmussen Auctioneers. The beautiful Chinese Buddha figure from the 18th-century Qianlong dynasty (1736-1795) comes from a private Danish collection.

“The Buddha figure is both exceptionally large and of a very fine quality. At the auction we experienced an enormous interest from collectors all over the world, and this is the reason for the very impressive hammer price. In general, there is a lot of international interest in our Asian artwork and decorative art, especially from China, which the auction’s many other fine hammer prices can testify to,” says Ralph Lexner, head of the department for Asian art and decorative art at Bruun Rasmussen.

An Extremely Rare Buddha

The rare figure of Buddha Shakyamuni, popularly referred to simply as Buddha, sits meditating in the dhyanasana position with his legs crossed and his hands gathered in front of him with his palms facing upwards. He sits in a so-called lotus position, the symbol of purity, upon a sacred throne carried by lions. Leaning against a Mandorla, representing his aura, he exudes a special Buddhist calm and beauty.

At each side, he has his two faithful servants, who are bodhisattva figures characterized by having left all selfish thoughts behind and solely striving for the freedom and happiness of all living beings. One is Manjushri, who is associated with wisdom, and the other is Avalokiteshvara, who is seen as the embodiment of compassion.

Read more about the rare Buddha figure HERE.

View all the great hammer prices achieved at the Asian, Islamic and Indian Auction on 1 December HERE.

Find the upcoming auctions at Bruun Rasmussen in Bredgade 33 HERE and experience the virtual preview HERE.