NEW YORK, NY.- A magnificent gilt-copper alloy figure of Chakrasamvara made in 15th-century Tibet, (estimate: US$400,000 - 600,000) is one of the highlights of the three sales that Bonhams will hold to celebrate Asia Week in New York.

The figure expresses one of the most transcendental ideals in Buddhist art: the supreme bliss of enlightenment attained through the union of wisdom and compassion. It will be offered at Bonhams Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art sale in New York on 14 September.

Also on the same day, one of the very few surviving Qing dynasty formal court robes of state – or chaopao – will be auctioned at Bonhams Chinese Paintings and Works of Art sale. This rare 18th/19th century imperial robe has an estimate of US$80,000 – 120,000. It would have been worn in the presence of the emperor at only the most important state functions – enthronements, significant ritual sacrifices and New Year celebrations.

The sale will feature select rarities from several discerning private collectors, including a strikingly unusual Ming dynasty cast bronze seated figure of Chinese deity of mercy, Guanyin, from the esteemed collection of Emmanuel Gran (estimate: US$50,000 - 70,000). Bonhams Chinese art specialist Nick Rice, said: "Guanyin often presents a full face with calm, idealized features. Here the head of Guanyin, by contrast, is quite individualized – a self-confident beauty with high forehead, pert nose and a bamboo-shaped hairpin in her coiffure of fashionable late Ming type."

An important handscroll with an unbroken line of provenance since it was first commissioned in 1775 leads Bonhams Japanese Art sale on 15 September. Ike Taiga's Kochukenkon – The Universe in a Jar, tells a 5th-century Chinese folktale about a market official who follows an aged druggist into a jar, which contains a wonderful world of palaces, fine wine and delicious food. The scroll has an estimate of US$100,000 – 150,000.

One of very few pieces of Japanese armor to come to auction with true daimyo provenance in recent history will also feature in the sale. Originally assembled for Yamaguchi Hirokuni (1808 – 1869), the 9th head of the Yamaguchi clan and Lord of Ushiku Castle in Hitachi, the armor is estimated at US$80,000 – 120,000.

As a leading auctioneer of Himalayan art and a committed supporter of Nepalese culture, Bonhams will devote a section within the Indian, Himalayan and Southeast Asian Art sale to raising funds for Nepal, following the recent devastating earthquakes. Bonhams will give a donation and divide the proceeds from this section equally between The Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust and Save the Children (both registered charities).