A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF ANANDA NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY

Buddha's principal disciple portrayed as a monk with shaved head and hands held in anjalimudra, dressed in long robes cast with sharply defined folds that fall in front, with incised lines marking the folds on the back, wood stand, Japanese wood box (5)

Hirano Kotoken, Tokyo.
Kitayama Fine Arts, Tokyo, acquired in the 1970s.

There is the expected wear and loss to the gilding. There are two dents to the side of the robe, otherwise in overall good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Among Buddha's many disciples, Ananda had the best memory and most of the sutras in the second part of the Pali canon are attributed to his recollection of the Buddha's teachings during the First Buddhist Council. Because of that, he was known as Guardian of the Law.

An example in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, which shows how the present lot may have appeared in an altar set is illustrated  in Hai-Wai Yi-Chen: Chinese Art in Overseas Collections, Buddhist Sculpture I, Taipei, 1998, p.18.