A LARGE PAINTED POTTERY FIGURE OF AN OFFICIAL NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY

the tall, slender figure standing in an attentive manner with one hand revealed from the sleeve of the long dark red robe, fastened by a long tied white sash at the waist, the facial features well-defined with high, arched brows, heavy lidded eyes and a half smiling mouth, wearing the distinctive official's cap that was required court dress, traces of pigment, fitted box and wood stand (3)

Mayuyama & Co., Ltd, Tokyo, acquired between 1960-1969

Mayuyama, Seventy Years, Volume One, Mayuyama & Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 1976, p. 61, no. 155.

There is a vertical crack in the back, and restored old breaks to the body and neck. The nose and toe on one foot has been restored. There is the expected wear and loss to the pigments overall.
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.

Figures of this size are exceptionally rare. Two guardian figures of similar size and style in the collection of the Minneapolis Institute of Art are illustrated in Annette Juliano, Art of the Six Dynasties, China Insitute in America, New York, 1975, no. 24. The figures are dated to the latter half of the Northern Wei dynasty, the first quarter of the sixth century. Another, of slightly larger size and also dated to Northern Wei dynasty, can be found in the Idemitsu Art Gallery, illustrated in Chugoku ko-dai no bijitsu (Art of Ancient China), Tokyo, 1980, fig. 155.