A LARGE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF GUANYIN 17TH CENTURY

cast seated in dhyanasana with the right hand raised holding the end of a willow stem and the left hand supporting a cup, dressed in long robes engraved with lotus scrolls at the hem, opening at the chest to reveal beaded necklaces, the contemplative face framed by elongated earlobes suspending ornate earrings, the tall headdress centered by a figure of Amitabha Buddha, wood stand

The figure is in good condition with the exception of loss to the flower held in the right hand, nibbles to the edge of the cup held in the left hand and light rubbing and scratches to the gilded decoration. The base has been opened.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

According to the Lotus Sutra, Guanyin can take any form necessary to save sentient beings, and the present lot depicts the bodhisattva in the manifestation of Bhaisajyaraja Avalokitesvara. The bowl of elixir held in the left hand is believed to cure all physical and spiritual illnesses, and the willow, which is used to sprinkle the elixir over devotees, has evil dispelling properties.

A similar gilt bronze figure of slightly larger size is illustrated in Han Yong, Gems of Beijing Cultural Relics Series. Buddhist Statues, vol. 1, Beijing, 2001, pl. 39; and another was sold at Christie’s New York, 1^st December 1994, lot 340. Three related bronze figures of this manifestation of a crowned Guanyin are published in Xia Jingchun cang jintong foxiang, Shenyang, 2000, pls 170, 171 and 172; another seated on a lotus pedestal was included in the exhibition The Casting of Religion. A Special Exhibition of Mr Peng Kai-dong’s Donation, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2004, pl. 167; and a third example was sold in our New York rooms, 1st December 1992, lot 196.