A CARVED IVORY FIGURE OF KUI XING 17TH CENTURY

the God of Examinations with a devil's head and an emaciated torso, bending his left leg back as if dancing upon swirling clouds in front of a tall lotus stalk, dressed with short pants fastened at the waist with billowing ribbons and a loose shawl draped around his shoulders, raising his right hand holding a brush handle while clutching an ingot in the left, the ivory well patinated to a warm amber tone

Acquired in Paris between the 1970s and the early 90s.

The end section of the veil billowing around his left arm is chipped. The lotus stalk behind is loose with a small clean break in the middle of the veil and in a middle of one leaf. The brush handle the figure clutches in his right hand is a later wood replacement. There is a small pitted hole to the rear of its head. The top section of the leafy lotus behind is missing, leaving just a hole above the stalk where a peg was fitting in (showing on the illustration in the catalogue). The lower section of the base is also missing with only a remaining peg and traces of an old glue. There are a few age cracks as visible in the photo. The carving is good and the ivory is well patinated with a warm amber glow, more particularly pronounced on the back of the figure.
"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."