A PARCEL-GILT BRONZE FIGURE OF ZHENWU MING DYNASTY

cast seated with broad shoulders, dressed in long robes, the hands resting on the knees with the left in karanamudra, the long hair swept back falling behind the shoulders and reaching to the waist, the face, hands and bare feet highlighted with gilt, wood stand (2)

Acquired in Hong Kong, 1964.

There are a number of small holes in the figure - two in the rear, two each on the left and right sleeves, and one in the center below the figure's stomach. The regular placement and shape of these holes indicate they may have been used to secure the figure to a separately cast throne or to secure attributes to the figure. There are some scattered casting flaws, noticeably on the stomach, and the figure's shoulders and knees. The interior has been sealed with a copper plate incised with a serial number. Another number is written in white pigment on the figure's rear. There is some minor encrustation and traces of white residue in the crevices. There is wear to the gilding and minor nicks consistent with age. The figure appears to be in good overall 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.

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.