A WOOD FIGURE OF THE ATTENDANT DHARMATA TIBET, 17TH / 18TH CENTURY

the attendant seated upright on a low plinth with lion emblem, the polychromed hair in a high topknot, wearing stylized robes with gilded foliate motif, with decorative sashes at the chest and waist and pointed Tibetan boots, with dedicatory gilded inscription in Tibetan at reverse 

Collection of the late Bess Myerson, acquired 1960s, by repute.

Wear and accretion overall, could benefit from a light clean. With gilded motif to robe, throne, and tiger, and traces of cold gilding and polychroming to face and hair. Loss to topknot at head, loss to right hand, partial loss to left hand and attribute. with scattered chips and losses to throne base. With lugs at back and Tibetan inscription at back of throne.
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.

Dharmata, also known as Dharmatala, was the lay attendant to the Sixteen Arhats. Representations of Dharmata such as this were likely part of a larger set of twenty-five, including Shakyamuni Buddha, his disciples Shariputra and Maudgalyayana, the Sixteen Arhats, the patron Hvashang and the Guardians of the Four Directions. Dharmata is recognizable by his distinctive topknot and is traditionally depicted holding a nidana-kumbha or vase and chamara or fly- whisk.