A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF AMITAYUS QIANLONG MARK AND PERIOD, DATED GENGYIN YEAR CORRESPONDING TO 1770

seated in dhyanasana on a rectangular plinth draped with a flower-decorated cloth, the hands in dhyanamudra, dressed in a scarf and dhoti and adorned with jewelry, the face with pensive expression beneath hair pulled up into an elaborate coiffure behind a five-leafed tiara, the figure framed by a flaming mandorla, the incised mark in a horizontal line at the front of the base

There is a crack on upper edge of the right side of the base. The hole in the palms for insertion of the vase has been filled. The vase has adhesive around the base and may be associated. One of the tabs used to secure the mandorla on the interior of the base is detached on one side. The center stile on the interior of the base is stamped 'bao' and the left side is incised 'ding san bai jiu wu' (ding three hundred ninety-five). There is light wear to the gilding and surface wear consistent with 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.

The mark reads Da Qing Qianlong gengyin nian jingzao (Respectfully made in the gengyin year of the Qianlong period of the Great Qing dynasty), corresponding to 1770.

The name Amitayus means 'Infinite Life', and as a result the deity is associated with longevity. He is depicted in the guise of a bodhisattva, adorned with jewelry holding a vase containing the elixir of immortality with the leaves of the ashoka tree hanging over its mouth. 

A similar example was sold in these rooms, 17th and 18th September 2013, lot 72.