A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF THE INFANT BUDDHA MING DYNASTY

finely cast seated in dhyanasana upon a circular carpet, wearing a simple apron incised with lotus and tied at the back, his face with contemplative expression and a gentle smile

This figure is generally in good condition, but does have a number of rubbed areas to the gilding, on his head, hands, arms , chest and legs and to the base. There is some green encrustaion to the back of the head, neck and centre of the back. There are reddish rectangular patches of varying size to the head, chest and shoulder which relate to its manufacture. There is a shallow dented area to the back side of the base and one to the front left side of the base.
"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."

This representation of the seated infant Buddha in deep meditation is rare and no other example appears to have been published. It represents an episode in his life that took place during the royal ploughing ceremony. Thinking the infant was asleep, the royal attendants left him lying alone in the nursery to enjoy the festivities, upon which he sat up with his legs crossed in the lotus position in quiet contemplation.

Images of the infant Buddha standing and pointing up to the sky are more commonly found; see several examples included in the exhibition The Casting of Religion. A Special Exhibition of Mr. Peng Kai-dong's Donation, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 2004, cat. nos 178-185. Of particular note are cat. no. 180, where the figure sits with one leg across and the other pendant, and the closely related apron the infant wears in cat. no. 178. This style of clothing is also seen on a standing infant Buddha sold in our Los Angeles rooms, 8^th June 1981, lot 228.