A DARK GRAY LIMESTONE FIGURE OF A BODHISATTVA 6TH CENTURY

standing on a square base on a lotus flower flanked by two crouching beasts (one half missing), subtly carved with flowing robes leaving the chest bare and draped with scarves and a jeweled pectoral with a necklace of lotus petals, the left arm pendent grasping a single lotus flower, the right arm missing, the face finely carved with broad nose, bow-shaped eyes and small bud mouth all set in meditative expression, the hair drawn back and held in place by a simple braided diadem with a central lotus flower, the long ends tied to the sides and falling over the shoulders, the stone with a rich brownish patina with traces of gesso, gilding and pigments remaining, wood stand (2)

On loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (1971-2009).

The figure is broken into three pieces through the shoulders and mid-thigh and put back together. This is visible in the catalogue illustration. There is a large old chip to the front right of the base, visible in the catalogue. The left arm is missing. A large section of the lower back of the base is missing, including part of the lotus on one side and corner. There are traces of gilding and blue pigment to the back and front. There is a chip to one side of the nose.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Compare two slightly larger figures of Guanyin in the University Museum, Philadelphia, and in the Field Museum, Chicago, illustrated in Osvald Siren, Chinese Sculpture from the Fifth to the Fourteenth Century, New York, 1970 (reprint), vol. II, pls. 314a and 316, which show similar features, jewelry and garment folds.