A CARVED JADE, IVORY, HARDSTONE AND CLOISONNE ENAMEL EMBELLISHED SCREEN OF THE EIGHTEEN LUOHAN QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

the large rectangular panel embellished with seven groups of carved white jade depicting the eighteen Luohan, each figure dressed in flowing robes with monk-like features, some holding attributes, including two with bronze almsbowls, one with a cloisonne double-lozenge in a bowl, and another holding an ivory and tourmaline lotus, among a rocky landscape with tall pine and wutong trees carved from wood, the trees with vines suspending further emblems carved from ivory, including a scroll and bound book, with a small gilt-bronze enamel Buddhist lion perched on a rock, reserved against a painted hazy blue and white sky, the hardwood frame finely carved with scrolling motifs, carved wood stand (2)

The panel has three vertical cracks consistent with where the wooden planks backing it have been joined. It is slightly warped. There are approximately four pine clusters detached from the left hand tree (the pieces are present). A section ivory stream is detached but present. A section of the tree trunk to the right is detached but present. There are several large areas of leaves detached from the right hand tree – most of these are present. A one inch section of a creeper/vine on the left hand side missing. The panel is dirty overall (probably in fairly original condition). Some pieces are loose and have risen up from the back panel. The inside rim of the frame has a large piece split away and reattached (upper left hand side). There is a triangular section of the frame in the lower right hand inside corner missing. One foot of the stand is spit and loosely reattached. There are some other minor repairs to the stand.
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.

The eighteen Luohan are guardians of Buddhism and the personal disciples of Buddha. Luohan can be depicted in a variety of ways and their representation varies from one group to another. However, there appear to be two different iconographic traditions of Luohan images: one representing ascetic men with foreign features, often grotesquely distorted, hairy, with overlong eyebrows and emaciated bodies, indicating their otherworldliness; the other tradition, as seen on the present screen, is more naturalistic and depicts individuals with serene expressions, in simple monk's robes, varying in age as well as their features, gestures and poses.