RARE ET IMPORTANTE SCULPTURE DE BOUDDHA EN CALCAIRE GRIS Chine, dynastie Sui (581 - 618)

représenté debout sur un socle lotiforme, le bras droit le long du corps, la main retenant un pan de sa robe, le bras gauche légèrement replié, un rosaire dans la main, vêtu d'une longue robe retombant sur les pieds en pans souples et symétriques, les deux épaules couvertes laissant la poitrine en partie dénudée, une tunique retenue par une ceinture nouée au dessus de la taille, le visage emprunt de sérénité, yeux mi-clos en amande surmontés d'arcades sourcilières arquées, le front marqué de l'urna, les cheveux ondulés laissant apparaître l'ushnisha, traces de polychromie

Ancienne collection CT Loo, ca. 1920-1930 (a photo from C T Loo archives mentions a provenance from 'Nan Tch'ang Tch'eng' in the 'Shansi' province).
Vente Palais Galliera, Paris, 13 juin 1969.
Vente, Palais des congres, Versailles, 13 mai 1973, Expert : Michel Beurdeley.
Ancienne collection Gene Tyson, New York.
Collection particulière française.

The statue got broken (clean break) at the level of the neck during transport in 1996 (photographic archive available upon request). The neck has since been restored ; his left ear chipped at the earlobe as well as on the edge ; part of the rosary missing as visible on the photo ; the right hand with chips on two fingers (also visible on photo) and a small accident on one finger of the right foot ; some remaining traces of old green, pink, dark red and black pigments and old red polychromy to the reverse of the statue and to the bottom of the veil (showing on the illustration in the catalogue), some expected wear and scratches throughout but overall the figure is in excellent condition. Please note that the figure is 1,40 M high (4 feet 7 1/8 in.). The actual colour is very slightly less yellow 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."