A SMALL GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF A BODHISATTVA TANG DYNASTY, 8TH CENTURY

finely cast in tribhanga, dressed in a dhoti with long flowing scarves and elaborate necklace, left hand holding lotus stalks, right hand held aloft holding a flaming disc, the hair dressed as a spiral chignon surmounted with a cintamani

Acquired in the 1980s from a San Francisco Collection formed in the 1960s.

One end of the trailing ribbon has broken off, and the other end has been bent. The flower on one side of the shoulder has also been bent. There is overall wear to the gilding and general surface wear.
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.

This image is typical of the high Tang style which combined physical and spiritual attributes into images of great beauty. A similar example with its mandorla and stand in the collection of the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco is illustrated in Hai-Wai-Yi-Chen: Chinese Art in Overseas Collections, Buddhist Sculpture I, Taipei, 1986, no. 114. A slightly larger example was sold in these rooms, 17th and 18th September 2013, lot 61.