A Chinese carved hardwood figure of Guanyin, Qing dynasty, 17th or 18th century, of Imperial quality, 清代御品观音木雕 modelled seated with dog, holding a ruyi sceptre, the hair black stained, on a later, 19th century, stand, the figure 20.5cm high, Provenance: acquired by Sir Reginald Johnston, tutor to Puyi, last Emperor of China, between 1919 and 1924 and first Westerner to be given access to the Forbidden City; gifted to Johnston's fiancee, Eileen Power (engaged 1928-1935), later wife of Sir Michael Postan, the current vendor's direct predecessor.

Sold for: £4,400