DEUX GRANDES STATUETTES DE GARDIENS CÉLESTES EN BRONZE DORÉ DYNASTIE MING, XVIE-XVIIE SIÈCLE |

chacun finement sculpté, les jambes écartées, vêtus d'armures de mailles très élaborées et nouées par des nœuds, des écharpes virevoltant autour des épaules et le long du corps, les vêtements inférieurs retombants en plis autour des jambes, les visages à l’expression sévère et aux sourcils froncés, les cheveux noués en de hauts chignons derrière de riches couronnes orfévrées, l'un tenant une stupa sur sa paume tournée vers le haut, l’autre dépourvu d'attributs, les bases associées (5)

In the family by descent.

The guardian visible on the right of the catalogue: Figure and base cast separately. The figure heavily cast. Small parts of the crown missing, top of the stupa missing, tip of the small finger of the left hand missing. Some casting patches. Part of one foot of the base missing, the base with traces of red pigments. The guardian visible on the left of the catalogue: The Figure and base are cast separately. The figure is heavily cast. Part of the headdress missing. The ribbon with cracks. The tips of the ribbons around the feet are missing. One bud of the balustrade broken off but there. The base with traces of red pigment.
"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."

Devarajas figures, known as the Kings of the four cardinal directions, were often placed at the four corners of a Buddhist altar or stupa. One of the two figures holding a stupa in his left hand, represents Vaisravana, Guardian King of the North.