Tête de Guanyin en pierre sculptée polychrome Chine, dynastie Ming ou antérieur

le visage majestueux aux traits fins et à l'expression sereine et douce, les yeux mi-clos, les lèvres délicatement ourlées, la coiffure raffinée parcourue de fleurs et ornements, réhaussée de touches de polychromie rouge ; socle en bois (2)

The head is generally in overall good condition. It shows chips to the neck, chin, top of the crown and back of the ears as visible on the catalogue illustration. It shows traces of white and red pigments to the hair, lips and flowers of the crown. Some expected light wear to the surface as visible on 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."

The present finely carved stone head of Guanyin displays certain elements seen on a wooden head, attributed to the Yuan dynasty, in the Avery Brundage collection illustrated in Rene-Yvon Lefebvre d’Argence (ed.), Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture in the Avery Brundage Collection, San Francisco, 1974, pl. 146. Both heads are carved in a style characteristic of the period; the face of oval form with broad high arching brows and plump square jaws, the nose elongated, the half-closed eyelids heavy, and mouths slightly open to a gentle smile. The expression is that of serene contented peace. The hair is pulled together in a high topknot with thick carved lines used to accentuate its richness.

The carving style of this head appears to have evolved from earlier, Tang dynasty, sculptures related to the Longmen type which display elaborate plaited and coiffed high chignon, the face bearing slightly slanted eyes and a small puckish mouth. For example, see a stone Guanyin head, probably from the Longmen area, included ibid., pl. 110; and another sold at Christie’s London, 15^th June 1998, lot 67.