A LARGE WOOD FIGURE OF ZHENWU MING DYNASTY

carved in a seated posture with left hand resting on the lap, the right hand holding the hem of his robe, open at the chest to reveal armor with a lion-head mask above protective chain mail, the upper arms and shins also protected by chain-mail plates, the handsome face with inlaid eyes framed by fleshy ears and swept-back hair, the back with a large rectangular aperture cut to receive consecrated objects, fitted into a later wood base

Vietor Family Collection, San Francisco, California.
Collection of David W. Hill, San Francisco, California.

There are the expected cracks, splits, wear and loss to the pigment overall. There are scattered holes and loss to the fingertips on one hand. There are stabilized cracks overall. The top of the head, left shoulder and back have areas of insect and water damage. there is a break to the lower back. The lower part of the figure is embedded in its base and may not be complete.
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.

The third emperor of the Ming dynasty, Yongle (1403-1424), credited Zhenwu for his successful ascension to the throne, and ordered numerous temple complexes built in honor of the god at Wudang Shan, the mountain where Zhenwu is believed to have ascended to heaven. By the middle of the 15th century, Zhenwu had become the most important god in religious Daoism.