A LARGE GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF WEITUO CHINA, MING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

the bodhisattva dressed as a warrior, standing with one foot thrust forward, the arms and hands at waist level, posed to hold a missing weapon, wearing chainmail armor over flowing robes, the midriff with a fierce 'monster' mask, the mail skirt terminating in further masks, the face with a gentle expression, accented with blue, red, green and black pigments

Acquired by the grandfather of the present owner, an American who traveled the world.

The figure is missing the tips of two fingers and the last figure on the left hand. The finial on the helmet is a replacement. There are two small holes flanking the central ornament of the helmet. Sections of the figure's billowing scarf are missing with some touch up to the remaining ends. The figure's weapon is missing and there are scattered losses to sections of the beaded edges. There are cracks throughout the surface with lifting and losses to the lacquer.
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.

Weituo appears in Buddhist temples as the 'Entry Guardian'. He leads the thirty-two heavenly generals who come under the Four Heavenly Kings and has earned such titles as the 'Protector of the Buddhist Faith', the 'Protector of Monasteries' and the 'Protector of Dharma Books'. In all temples where his image is found, he is always placed with his back to the statue of Maitreya Buddha so that he faces the Main or Grand Hall where the principal deities of the temple are enshrined.