A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF GUANYIN MING DYNASTY, 16TH CENTURY

seated in dhyanasana, wearing a floral etched long flowing robe open at the chest to reveal a wan symbol, the face with gentle smile and framed by a high five-pointed crown, long flowing ribbons and large earrings, all seated on a separately-cast lotus pedestal base

The gilt-bronze is in good condition with the exception of minor casting flaws and light rubbing to the gilded decoration especially around the face.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This figure of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara portrays the deity in a sinicized form, with feminine features and seated on a luxurious lotus throne. This form began to emerge during the mid to late Ming dynasty and is still the form of Avalokitesvara popular in East Asia today, where the deity is known as Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Compare a similarly modelled figure of Guanyin and two attendants, sold in our New York rooms, 23^rd September 1995, lot 335A; another of larger size sold at Christie’s New York, 18^th September 2009, lot 166; and a third portraying a bejewelled Guanyin, from the collection of Mr and Mrs Peter Tcherepnine, sold at Christie’s New York, 30^th November 1984, lot 618.