Tibetan thangka of Manjushri – €125,000 (£105,040) at Nagel.
Leading the field was a 15th century Tibetan thangka of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. The deity is regarded as the embodiment of the infinite wisdom of the Buddha and one of the most revered figures in traditional Tibetan religion.
The motif, measuring 3ft 3in x 2ft 10in (1m x 86cm), was painted in tempera and gold by a central Tibetan artist; on the reverse is the drawing of a stupa in red paint with various inscriptions and dedications.
The catalogue price was €40,000-60,000, but after intense bidding from several quarters, the hammer fell at €380,000 (£319,330). A US dealer, bidding on behalf of a collector, had the greatest funds at their disposal.
An 18th century brush pot, carved in white and light green jade, also caused a stir. The relief decoration depicted the Chinese philosopher Lao Zi, riding a water buffalo and accompanied by two scholars and a servant in an extensive landscape.
By reputation, the 7in (17cm) high vessel had once belonged to the German collector Otto Rose, who had acquired it in China prior to 1918. The guide of €50,000-80,000 proved to be too cautious: the bidders went to €125,000 (£105,040). The new owner is from Beijing.
The sale took place on June 13.
