A BLANC DE CHINE FIGURE OF A DIGNITARY QING DYNASTY

dressed in loose-fitting robes, his hat decorated with a pearl and ruyi, seated in a horse-shoe armchair draped in an animal skin

Christie's London, 13th May 2008, lot 184.

With the exception of restoration to both shoulders (approx. 1.8cm diameter each), to the back ornamental strip of the hat; to the protruding section of frame of the chair on his right; an approx. 4cm hairline firing crack between his chest and left arm, and to his back where it meets the chair; a flake to the glaze on a fold on his right; four short hairline firing cracks to the base, which extend up and are visible on the sides of the base; short hairline firing lines to the lower section of the reverse, to the right of his forehead, to the top frame of the chair, to the right of his right leg, to the right side of the footrest, to his right sleeve where it meets with the left sleeve, and to the top left of his left leg; minor overall glase-firing imperfections; minute nibbles to the edges of his robes and the edge of the base; and very light scratches overall to the glaze, this figure is in very good condition.
"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."

A similar figure seated on a throne is illustrated in P.J. Donnelly, Blanc De Chine. The Porcelain of Tehua in Fukien, London, 1969, plate 97A.