A SIGNED AND CARVED SOAPSTONE FIGURE OF A LUOHAN QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

wrapped in long robes bordered with floral sprays against a wave diaper ground, his right hand resting on his knee and holding a beaded necklace while his left elbow rests on his raised left knee as he inserts a long prick into his ear, his sleeve folds inscribed with a two-character signature reading Shang Jun (Zhou Bin), seated on an irregular rock plinth carved with swirling waves, the stone of a mottled brownish-yellow tone with coral-red inclusions

The figure has a 0.1 x 0.1cm nick to his face under his left eyebrow (also visible from the catalogue illustration) and another 0.3 x 0.2cm nick to the top of his head. Slight nibbling and nicks to the extremities of the carving include the edges of the sleeve folds on the figure's right hand (0.3 x 0.1cm) and the shawl wrapped around the shoulders of the figure (0.2 x 0.1cm). A milky white bruise measuring 0.1 x 0.1cm is evident on the figure's right thumb. The base is possibly later attached as the colour is mismatched from the figure with traces of glue visible around the edges. There is also minor nibbling along the edges, extensive surface scratches to the underside, and a natural loss measuring 1 x 1cm to the front of the base. The stone is of a slightly brighter tone compared to 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."