A LARGE 'BLANC-DE-CHINE' FIGURE OF GUANYIN QING DYNASTY

finely modelled standing on a tumultuous foaming wave base, wearing a long-sleeved robe concealing her hands held together in front of her chest, falling in deep folds around her body and open at the chest to reveal a ruyi pendant on a beaded necklace, the contemplative face with almond-shaped eyes, the hair in long braids and covered by a cowl, the back with an impressed Dehua double-gourd and a Xu Yuyuan zhi mark 

Collection of Frances and Raymond Bushell.

The dating of this lot is consistent with the results of Oxford Authentication Ltd. thermoluminescence test no. P107x4.

The figure has benefitted from symathetic restoration, concealing damage to the area of the robe that covers the clasped handles (measuring approximately 60mm by 30mm); to the centre of the cowl and to the hair below and infilled chips to the lower rim of the robe to the reverse. A vertical firing crack to the wave scroll base (measuring approximately 85mm) also consolidated. Further over-painting visible to an area to the robes under the right arm, consolidating a horizontal crack (approximately 110mm) and a further infilled area directly below. Further consolidated cracks to the reverse (approximately 120mm) and back of the neck (approximately 70mm). Several firing cracks visible to the interior of teh base. The left pig tail with a break (as visible in catalogue image), which appears to have occured prior to firing.
"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 Xu Yuyuan mark was used by Dehua potters during the Qing Dynasty, see John Ayers, Blanc de Chine: Divine Images in Porcelain, China Institute, New York, 2002, p. 34, where the author notes that the potter Xu Youyi (1887-1940) used this square seal mark.