A SOAPSTONE FIGURE OF A LUOHAN QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

naturalistically carved in the form of a seated luohan in a meditative pose, dressed in a loose fitting robe incised with a scrolling lotus border once inlaid with hardstones, all upon a shaped cushion, the back incised with the two characters Yu Xuan

The head has been broken off and restuck back on. The hardstone inlays are now missing. There is a minute 1/8 inch chip to the top of the right ear. There is a minute shallow chip to the back of the right sleeve. The actual color of the stone is slightly darker than shown in the 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.

Yang Yuxuan is believed to have been a carver from the Fujian province, active during the Kangxi period. He was considered to be one of the most influential soapstone carvers by scholars during his lifetime and was credited for introducing the use of naturalistic color to enhance the subject matter of the carving.

For a detailed discussion on Yang Yuxuan, see Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, p. 87, where another soapstone luohan carving with an identical mark is illustrated.