AN IVORY FIGURE OF WEN CHANG MING DYNASTY, 16TH/17TH CENTURY

the figure wearing loose-fitting robes and black hat of office, holding his belt with his left hand, with a serene expression on his face, the ivory of deep rich caramel colour, 17.2cm., 6 1/4in; together with a buffalo horn carving of a lady in long robes holding a fan

Spink and Son Ltd., 1990 and 1989.

Ivory figure: with the exception of restoration to the cuff of his left sleeve and to a thin 2cm fold below his left elbow; hairline age-cracks to the chest, shoulder, face, waist and lower half of the robe on the front and back; and slight rubbing to the black pigment of the hat, edges of the robes and feet, this figure is in good condition. Please note that the feet and lower part of the robes are made from a separate piece of ivory. Rhinoceros horn figure: This figure is in very good condition with the exception of restoration to the robe behind the fan (approx. 1.2cm); minute nibbles to the extremities of the robes; and very short hairline age cracks running down the left side of her face and the shoulder and chest area.
"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."

Wen Chang is the popular Daoist god of literature.