Rare sculpture en bois laqué doré d'Amitayus Chine, dynastie Qing, époque Qianlong (1736-1795)

debout sur une base lotiforme, les mains en vitarkamudra, une fleur de lotus parcourant son bras droit, vêtu d'un dhoti, une longue écharpe s'enroulant autour de ses bras, paré de bijoux précieux, le visage serein aux traits fins portant l'urna, le front ceint d'une tiare ouvragée à cinq pointes, les cheveux ramenés en un haut chignon, polychromie

Some age cracks to the base as visible on the catalogue illustration ; the middle finger of his right hand has been broken and restored as well as the extremity of the ring finger of his left hand restored and re-gilt ; one secured small crack to the lock to the right shoulder ; a piece of the crown to his right hear had been broken and restored ; the lower part of the right ribbon has also been cracked and secured ; the lotus slightly loose ; some expected losses to the lacquer below the base.
"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."

This carving is rare as it is carved of wood and then lacquer gilt, suggesting that it is based on on a model more commonly cast in bronze and then fire or lacquer gilt. Lacquer gilt wood figures such as the present example appear to have first evolved in the early Ming period serving as models for later examples. Compare, for instance, a large gilt-lacquered wood carving of Vairocana sitting crossed-legged on a lotus-petal base, sold at Christie's New York, 15th September 2011, lot 1365; and a seated figure of Shakyamuni Buddha sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th October 2010, lot 2795.