Tête de Bouddha en fonte de fer Chine, dynastie Ming, XVIE siècle

Le visage plein, l'expression sereine, la bouche ourlée légèrement souriante, les yeux mi-clos, surmontés de sourcils arqués, les cheveux bouclés laissant apparaître l'ushnisha, socle en bois

The head is overall in good condition with expected oxidization to the iron consistent with age, an old radiant crack 5 cm behind the head, several old openings in the cast, one 1,5 x 1 cm above the bump on the forehead (showing on the illustration in the catalogue), another to the summit of the ushnisha, another 1,5 cm to the left temple, five other openings behind the ears, the longest 7 x 1,5 cm behind the left ear. The wood base with a repaired chip to the rim, a few age cracks near the edges, otherwise in good condition. Please note that the dimension of the head is 39 cm, 15 3/8 in. The height of the stand is 32 cm, 12 5/8 in.
"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 the head of a complete figure of Buddha dated 1520 A.D. illustrated in René-Yvon Lefebvre d'Argencé, Chinese Korean and Japanese Sculpture, The Avery Brundage Collection, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, pl.164.