A LARGE SANCAI-GLAZED STONEWARE FIGURE OF A DAOIST DEITY CHINA, MING DYNASTY

seated squarely on a slab-from throne, dressed as a heavenly official in green-glazed robes bordered in aubergine and amber, with an aubergine apron secured at the waist by a narrow belt, the figure with a clutched hand resting on one leg and the other hand raised and holding attributes, the bearded face well-modeled with a direct gaze, furrowed brows and a stern expression, below an elaborate green and yellow ridged cap studded with 'precious stones', an inscribed date at the back Xuande, fourth year, fifth month, thirteenth day corresponding to 1428

Collection of Carolyn Trippe, Palm Beach, Florida (1913-1972).
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Gordon-Smith, Palm Beach, Florida.
Acquired from the Gordon-Smiths by the present owner in 1990.

The figure and the bench are almost entirely overpainted. The head and headress have extensive overpainting and visible repairs. The overpaint presumably covers extensive breaks and losses.
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 present figure is related to the seven figures previously in the Morgan collection sold by Sotheby's at the Salutation Estate sale in Glen Cove, Long Island, New York 26th-27th May 1974, lots 76, 77, 78, 124, 125, 126 and 127. One of which, lot 125, was sold recently in these rooms 17th-18th September 2013, lot 49.  Although the present sculpture is lacking its stand, the Morgan figures are of the same dimension and modeling indicating that they all originated from the same temple.  It is not unlikely that the group appeared on the market at the same time. Carolyn Trippe, who had homes in New York, Palm Beach and Bar Harbor filled with fine antiques, was acquainted with the Morgan family and may well have frequented the same shops. Additionally, the previous owners, Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Gordon-Smith, attended the Morgan sale in 1974 and noted the similarity but incorrectly stated that only six figures were sold, "We've been speculating that on the possibility that our figure could have originally sat in the seventh niche." For more on the Trippe/Gordon Smith house see Kathryn Robinette 'Oriental Outside, European Inside', Palm Beach Life, January 1978, p, 4, pp. 19-21 and p. 56.  It is impossible to know how many figures comprised the original group as the Daoist pantheon is extensive and representations varied from temple to temple.