A SMALL GILT-BRONZE VOTIVE FIGURE OF MAITREYA NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY, 5TH / 6TH CENTURY AD

standing on a pedestal of inverted lotus lappets set on a corner-leg square base incised on three sides with an inscription, Maitreya wearing a tightly fitting robe draped over his shoulders and falling over his left arm, the oval head cast in hight relief with incised features and usnisa, framed by a circular halo of radiating lappets, the leaf-shaped mandorla cast with rising flames, the reverse of the mandorla cast in shallow relief with two figures seated beneath a canopy surmounted by a small Buddha figure flanked by attendants

The gilding on the halo and the figure is very rich and well preserved, with an exception to a few areas where the gildling and the underlying bronze is corroded. There are some chips to the tips of the lotus base. The gilding of the lotus base and pedestal is of a slightly different color and is more worn. The incised characters are also worn and are only partially legible. Please note that this figure was exhibited in 1975 at the Osaka Municiple Museum in a show called "Art of the Six Dynasties" and published in an accompanying museum catalogue.
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.