A POLYCHROME AND GILT-LACQUERED STUCCO HEAD OF BUDDHA CHINA, YUAN / MING DYNASTY

the broad aquiline nose flanked by heavily-lidded downcast eyes inset with glass beads, below the shaped brow and recessed urna, the mouth curved in a gentle smile, between large ears with pendulous lobes, all below tight curls that surround the cudamani and cover the head and ushnisha

Sotheby's New York, 28th-29th September 2004, lot 197.

A stake has been inserted into the neck and mounted on a base. As visible in the catalogue photo there is a loss to one side of the neck. Five hair curls are detached and there are chips and losses to others. The blue pigment on the head and the gilding have been refreshed, and there is surface wear to the gilding on the face, and cracks to the gilding, noticeably on the chin. There is a chip behind the left ear and a crack extending from back of neck up into the head. There is the general expected wear one would expect for pieces of this type and age..
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.

For further examples of Ming dynasty Buddhas where the curls of hair surround the cudamani and part down the front, see Chai Zejun and Chai Yumei, Shanxi gudai caisu (Ancient Stucco Sculptures of Shanxi), Beijing, 2008, pls. 19, 31, 50 and 57.