A LARGE GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF A DAOIST IMMORTAL MING DYNASTY, 16TH/17TH CENTURY

the seated figure with a severe expression and long flowing beard, wearing a high cap of office and long flowing robes incised with geometric panels and floral scrolls, his hands clasping a tablet in front of his chest, wood stand

There is a repair to the tablet that the figure holds in his hands. There is some pitting to the surface of the front and rear of the figure. There is rubbing in various areas to the face, hands, neck and body of the figure. There is numerous small dents to the face. The gilding is a lighter colour than as depicted in the catalogue.
"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."

The present figure may represent the Heavenly Official Tianguan, the god who bestows blessings, one of the Three Gods known as the Three Officials (sanguan) who emerged in the Daoist pantheon as early as the late Han dynasty as the judges of human fate. According to the Daoist scripture of the 5^th century, Supreme Scripture on the Inner Elucidation of the Three Heavens (Taishang santian neinie jing), the Three Officials played a role in the Deified Laozi's initial revelation in 142 AD to the first Celestial Master of religious Daoism, Zhang Daoling.

 A closely related example was sold at Christie's London, 9^th June 1997, lot 266; another was sold in our New York rooms, 16^th March 1984, lot 123; and a third was sold in these rooms, 30^th October 1987, lot 407.