Buddha carving sets record

A newly discovered wood sculpture of a Buddha has sold for $14.3 million, a price the auctioneer calls a world record for any Japanese work of art.

Christie’s said the seated figure of Dainichi Nyorai, or the supreme Buddha, is attributed to 13th century sculptor Unkei. The work was sold in New York on Tuesday to Mitsukoshi Ltd., one of Japan’s major department stores.

Christie’s said the previous record for a Japanese work of art was $1.76 million for a Rakuchu Rakugai screen, which it sold in 1990.