THREE BLANC-DE-CHINE FIGURES OF BUDAI QING DYNASTY

comprising a large figure of Budai reclining upon his bulging calico bag, with left hand bent up to hold a jewel, the flowing robes left open to reveal his fleshy chest and swollen belly, the details of the face finely incised with laughing eyes and toothy grin, with two other small figures of Budai in similar postures, the smallest draped with a beaded rosary around his neck, two with wood stands

First figure: Collection of A. Bedel, Paris (according to label).
Second figure: Pierre Saque, 6 rue St. Georges, Paris (according to label).

Largest figure: The left thumb has been rebuilt and possibly the right hand has been restuck. There is a small bruise to the left cuff with attendant 2.5cm crack. There is another bruise near a 2.5x3 cm area of restoration to the bottom edge of the robe on the front and some minor expected firing lines overall. Medium-sized figure: The left hand has been restuck and there are firing cracks overall, the largest to the front along the base, approx 1.8 cm (visible in the catalogue photograph). Smallest: There is a 0.6cm incipient flake as a result of an original firing crack to the back. Otherwise the overall condition is quite good, with only original firing lines and pinholes overall.
"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 largest model in this group has an almost identical example mounted in ormolu and applied with Meissen flowers, the ormolu bearing a date-stamp equivalent to the period 1745-49, now in the Walters Art Gallery, Baltimore, and illustrated by Ayers, Blanc de Chine. Divine Images in Porcelain, China Institute, New York, 2002, p. 32, fig. 6.