A GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF TSONGKHAPA QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

the founder of the Geluk order seated in vajrapayankasana on a double lotus base, his hands in dharmachakra mudra while holding two lotus stalks supporting the sword of wisdom and the script of the Perfection of Wisdom at his shoulders, the face carved with downcast eyes and full lips, framed by the characteristic pansha hat of the order, dressed in a monastic robe falling over his crossed-legs in undulous folds, all supported on a raised lion pedestal and framed by a separate prabhamandala pierced with polychrome whorls, the warm lacquered gilding with a golden amber tone

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

The figure is overall in quite good condition with expected wear and losses: The two central fingers of the right hand are chipped. The pinky finger is restuck. The lower part of the left hand has been repaired with breaks to the pinky finger and at the wrist which is a little loose. There is some expected wear to the amber gilding and some cracks to the gilt lacquer on the back of the figure. The figures has its original attributes which have not been replaced. There is a small repaired chip to the tip of the lotus flower on his left shoulder. The mandorla has some cracks in the wood and flakes to the gilded and lacquered enamels. There are a few occasional chips and losses including one of Garuda's hornes and the hands of the Aspara on the right and one hand of the Aspara on the left. There are a few insect holes towards the bottom section. The mirror in the centre of the mandorla is oxidized. The staged base is in good condition with some wear to the gilding, a few flakes and cracks in the wood in areas. The horses, Cintamani emblems, buddhist lions and elephant carved around the base are crisp and clear and overall in good condition with only a section of one of the horses's tail missing on the side.
"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."