RARE SCULPTURE DE BOUDDHA EN MARBRE BLANC Chine, dynastie Tang, VIIE siècle

sculpté dans un marbre blanc caractéristique de la province du Hopei, représenté assis les jambes croisées en vajraparyanka inversé sur un piédestal octogonal étagé, orné de pétales de lotus dans la partie basse, la partie supérieure recouverte d'un drapé, la main gauche posée sur son genou en tarjani (conjuration du mal), la droite relevée manquante, le visage serein rond caractéristique de l'époque Tang, petites lèvres ourlées, yeux en amande mi-clos surmontés d'arcades sourcilières arquées et incisées, les cheveux coiffés en boucles recouvrant l'ushnisha, vêtu de la robe traditionnelle de moine (kasaya) aux multiples plis laissant deviner les forme du corps, les épaules couvertes laissant la poitrine dégagée

The right forearm with an old break with a section missing ; two fingers of his right have old chips to their extremities (showing on the photo) ; a small chip 5 x 5mm to the second front right corner of the base (visible on the photo) ;some traces of old glue between the bulbuous portion and the lower part of the base (visible on the photo), but there is no evidence of a break there. Otherwise in good condition. The clour is slightly brighter and whiter than on the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Compare with stylistically related marble figures illustrated by O. Sirén, La sculpture chinoise du Ve au XIVe siècle, Paris et Bruxelles (1926), G. Van Oest ed., vol. 3, pl. 406 a and b and pl. 407 :

On plate 406a, the face of this figure from the Hayasaki collection is very similar to the present lot.
On plate 407, the robe of our sculpture carved in "wet-drapery style" with delicate folding, following Indian tradition with the garment covering one shoulder more than the other, is very close, as well as the octagonal base of the present lot, decorated with double lotus petals followed by a triple stair and completed by a pearl chain. The sculpture illustrated on plate 407 has been excavated in Xi'an region. The similarity of the material with the present figure suggests an origin from the nearby regions of Shanxi or Hopei, which are very famous for white marble.

On plate 406b, the white marble figure of Buddha from the Freer Gallery, compare with the drapery covering the stand and falling in festoons and also the position of the legs and feet covered with same pleated cloth.