The present lot is modeled after an important god in Buddhism, Amitayus and epitomizes typical works of art from the Qing Imperial workshop. Lapis Lazuli is known in Chinese as the blue golden stone. It was among the most precious stone in
the Qing court, much more valuable than jade. It is very rare to see an 18th century carved figure of lapis lazuli in this large size. Most carved figure of lapis lazuli were usually made in much smaller size contributing to the rarity of the present lot as the raw material utilized to construct it must have been substantially large. Similar examples can be found in the Palace Museum in both Beijing and Taipei. It is also interesting to note that lapis lazuli is one of the seven treasures of Buddhism.