SYDNEY.- Mossgreen announces the auction of The Raphy Star Collection of Important Asian Art. Featuring rare sculpture, including one of the earliest examples of Indian Buddhist sculpture, ceramics and works of art, the collection is valued at $3-5 million and is the most valuable and significant of its kind ever to be offered at auction in Australia. Highlights of the collection will tour to Melbourne, London and Hong Kong prior to the auction in Sydney on Sunday 11 December 2016.

Inspired by the refined aesthetic beauty of Asian Art, particularly Buddhist Art, this fine and diverse collection has taken the collector on a journey lasting over thirty years, during which time he has said, ‘collecting became something of an addiction’ and ‘the beauty of these pieces lies in their anonymity.’

Travelling the world to acquire rare pieces he formed a collection which follows the footsteps of Buddha and spans the breadth of Asia, from China to Vietnam, Afghanistan, Burma, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Nepal and Tibet.

Leading the auction is an exquisite Nepalese bronze parcel-gilt standing figure of Tara, 9-10th century (illustrated above, estimate: $150,000-200,000). This rare piece, standing in the traditional ‘Tribhanga’ pose upon a round, lotus pedestal, wears a transparent robe and a three-leaf crown.

Another significant highlight is the large pink Indian Sandstone Head of Buddha, Mathuran District, Kushan Period, 2nd-3rd Century AC (illustrated above, estimate: $120,000-150,000). This rare piece represents one of the earliest examples of Indian Buddhist sculpture.

Other major highlights include a rare Chinese polychrome wood sculpture of a Bodhisattva, Song Dynasty, 11th Century (illustrated below, right, estimate: $100,000-150,000). Seated in the lotus position, with its head tilted to one side this serene figure is 47cm tall. A large Khmer sandstone sculpture of Vishnu, Baphuon style, 11th century (illustrated below left, estimate: $120,000-150,000) is a majestic, four-armed deity which stands at over 90cm tall.

Another Nepalese treasure is a rare, bronze standing figure of Avalokitesvara, 10-11th century. Finely cast with a sensuous, curved body, the hair in a high chignon behind a three-point crown, this striking piece is 26.5cm high (illustrated below, estimate of $100,000-150,000).

Paul Sumner, CEO of Mossgreen, said: "Mossgreen is honoured to present this fine collection to the international market. It is without doubt the most important and diverse collection of Asian Art to have been offered at auction in Australia and we expect a high level of interest from discerning collectors and institutions all over the world.”

This auction will be followed by a second collection of Chinese Works of Art and Scholars Objects which includes exquisite bamboo and wood carvings from the early Qing Dynasty, bronze seals, small jades, and other rare and unusual pieces which will take place on Monday 12 December.