Statue de bodhisattva Avalokitesvara en bronze doré Chine, dynastie Ming XVIIE siècle

assis en vajrasana, sa longue robe brodée recouvrant les jambes et nouée sous la poitrine, les mains en dhyanamudra, arborant colliers et boucles d'oreille précieuses, le visage serein coiffé d'un voile recouvrant un diadème abritant une image de bouddha, socle en bois postérieur

The gilding on the face, chest, legs and shoulders has been heavily cleaned ; the gilding is worn on the base on the folders of the robe and to some other places (edges, back, tip of the nose, thumbs, etc) as visible on the illustration ; some small accidents to the lotus wood base ; the actual color is consistent with the catalogue illustration.
"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."

Avalokitesvara is the most popular of all the bodhisattvas, appearing in myriad forms with numerous epithets : The Compassionate One, Lord Who Gazes Down, Lord of the World, and Lotus Bearer. The cult of Avalokitesvara in China is interwoven with that of Guanyin and manifestations of the bodhisattva developed independently from Tibetan Lamaist traditions. This statue of Avalokitesvara, identified by the small effigy of Amitabha on the crown, has been cast in the traditional Chinese taste, as seen in the fuller proportions of the torso and face.
Compare with a close example sold in these rooms, 16 December 2011, lot 267.