A RARE BLANC-DE-CHINE FIGURE OF DAMO LATE MING DYNASTY

the bearded ascetic seated in meditation upon a rockwork base, the folded legs and hands hidden beneath the wrapped folds of the robes, secured at the waist with a high belt but leaving the chest bare, the beard incised with scrolls and the forehead set with an urna, all framed by a high hooded cowl, the back moulded with the sealmark Hui Jiang Shan Ren ('Hermit of the Hui River'), wood stand

Pierre Saque, Paris (according to label).

There is a short firing crack on the neck, 5mm and a couple other minor firing cracks and burst air bubbles, but otherwise the overall condition is very good. The backside of the base has some light kiln grit adhering. The mark is clearly stamped on the back. The glaze is creamy and the features are well carved on the face.
"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."

Robert Blumenfield discusses this late Ming maker in R. Blumenfield, Blanc de Chine. The Great Porcelain of Dehua, Berkeley, 2002, pp. 139, whose works are rather rare. For a seated Guanyin figure with similar mark, see P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, London, 1969, pl. 82A, and a standing Buddha with this rare mark, also fired to this rather unusual and distinctive yellowish glaze tone, was recently exhibited in Blanc de Chine, S. Marchant & Son Ltd., London, 2006, cat. no. 4.