Statuette de Bouddha en bronze doré Chine, dynastie des Liao, XIE siècle

finement ciselée et dorée, portant une robe fluide lui couvrant les épaules et s'ouvrant sur son torse nu, un ample vêtement ceint à la taille, sa main droite levée en vitarka mudra, la gauche posée contre son ventre en position de méditation, le visage à l'expression sereine avec au-dessus du front son ushnisha bombé rehaussé d'or contrastant avec le bronze patiné des boucles de cheveux, le Bouddha assis en vajraparyankasana sur une fleur de lotus circulaire élevée sur un trône à quatre pieds reposant sur un socle circulaire

Good condition. A small 3 mm diameter hole drilled in the plateform of the lotus base behind the figure, some expected wear and rubbing to the gilding (showing on the illustration in the catalogue) but overall good.
"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 a stylistically similar eleventh century Liao gilt bronze Maitreya in the British Museum, which also displays the unusual variation of the vitarka mudra of the right hand. Derek Gillman compares the style of the Maitreya, together with this form of the vitarka mudra, with statues of bodhisattvas in the Bojiajiao library hall of the Lower Huayan temple, Datong, Shanxi province, that was constructed in 1038 when the city was western capital of the Khitan Liao dynasty, see W. Zwalf, ed, Buddhism: Art and Faith, London, 1985, p. 204, cat. No. 294