A fine Sino-Tibetan thangka has seen excellent results, starring as the surprise top lot in Dreweatts & Bloomsbury Auctions' Asian Art sale on November 11 in London.
 Thangka mainly depict Buddhist deities or important figures, and are influenced by Chinese art |
The thangka, an 18th century painting on silk with embroidery, was estimated to sell for £60,000-80,000, but was propelled to a 552.5% increase of £522,000 ($835,137).
The piece depicts Jetsun Milarepa (1052-1135), one of Tibet's most renowned yogis and poets. According to Dr Benederra Mottino, Dreweatts & Bloomsbury's Asian art expert, it is particularly valued for its "sublime beauty, tranquility and ecstatic clarity".
There is a strong market for Tibetan thangka, with a 13th century example selling at Christie's in September 2012 for $1.7m - a 193% increase on estimate.
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