A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF USHNISHAVIJAYA QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD |

the goddess seated in dhyanasana, the eight arms in extended positions and once bearing attributes, each of the three faces with painted eyes and centered by a third eye beneath a double top-knot ushnisha encircled by a pointed diadem, the thick tresses falling about the shoulders and the body richly adorned, wearing a dhoti gathering in thick folds about the calves, supported by a double-lotus base with broad, radiating petals, the base sealed and inscribed with a stylized double-vajra (3)

Collection of Midwestern military family, acquired in Asia in the 1920s.

4 or 5 of the original 6 attributes lost. The central peak of the crown lost, as well as the ushnisha ornament, earrings and jewelry inlay. One of the sashes cracked and loose. The surface with wear, scratches, pitting, and some crazing. Traces of blue pigment remain in the hair, and red pigment to the reverse of the sashes and the lips. Wear to the gilding.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The Qianlong emperor embraced Tibetan Buddhism, and during his reign temples for esoteric practice proliferated, as well as statues to worship deities of the tradition. Ushnishavijaya (Chinese: Zun Sheng Fo Mu) was worshiped in the Ming and Qing dynasties as part of a trio of longevity deities. The Qianlong emperor erected the Xumifushou Temple, a replica of the Tibetan monastery Tashilhunpo, in celebration of his seventieth birthday in 1780, and dedicated the entire second floor to this goddess. Compare a figure of Ushnishavijaya, much smaller in scale but with similar modeling, offered in our Paris rooms, 15th December 2016, lot 115.