A RARE ENAMELLED AND GILT PORCELAIN FIGURE OF AMITAYUS MARK AND PERIOD OF QIANLONG, DATED TO 1771

finely modelled in imitation of gilt-bronze, seated in dhyanasana on a double-lotus pedestal base with hands resting on the lap in dhyanamudra, wearing a long flowing dhoti open at the chest to reveal an elaborate beaded necklace, the face with meditative expression framed by a five-leaf diadem surrounding a high chignon, the top of the base with an eight-character blue enamel mark qing Qianlong xinmao nian zao ('Made in the xinmao year during the Qianlong reign of the great Qing dynasty', corresponding to 1771)

Acquired in London, March 1992.

The object that is used to be supported by the deity's hands is now missing, but the original cover of the base opening is still well preserved. The tip of one sash above the ear has a small shallow nick of no larger than 2 mm, possibly slightly retouched. Except for some typical wear to the enamelling and gilding, the overall condition is very good.
"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."

The simulation of materials using porcelain was particularly popular during the 18^th century, as it provided the opportunity for potters to display their creative proficiency in the medium while satisfying the Qianlong emperor's taste for the novel. It is rare to find gilded figures of Avalokitesvara of this very fine and naturalistic sculptural depiction. Avalokitesvara, the spiritual son of Amitabha, personifies the compassion of all Buddhas and is one of the most popular deities in the Mahayana or Northern Buddhist Pantheon and is the object of much veneration in Tibet. Two closely related examples were sold in these rooms, 10^th April 2006, lot 1743, and the other, 30^th April 1991, lot 138; and a third figure was sold at Christie's New York, 1^st December 1983, lot 526.

Compare a similar figure attributed to the Qianlong period, but depicted kneeling on one knee, published in I.L. Legeza, A Descriptive and Illustrated Catalogue of the Malcolm MacDonald Collection of Chinese Ceramics, London, 1972, pl. CXLI, no. 384; and a pair sold at Christie's New York, 24^th- 25^th March 2011, lot 1748. For a seated figure of Buddha, see one in the Nanjing Museum, Nanjing, published in The Official Kiln Porcelain of the Chinese Qing Dynasty, Shanghai, 2003, p. 322.