A 'DEHUA' FIGURE OF DAMO QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

finely modeled standing on a rockwork base with the bare left foot stepping forward, wearing a long robe falling into voluminous folds, the right hand pulling at the front to reveal an emaciated chest, the head slightly turned to one side with a stern expression, detailed with characteristic coiled eyebrows, mustache and beard, the reverse impressed with a leaf-shaped seal reading He Chaozong

Collection of Stephen Tyree Early, acquired in early 1940s, and thence by descent.

The end of the figure's left sleeve has been filed down and there are traces of overpaint. There are the expected firing cracks in the interior.
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.

Stephen Tyree Early (1889-1951) was an American journalist and government official. He was the longest serving White House Press Secretary, serving under Franklin D. Roosevelt from 1933 to 1945, and again under President Harry S. Truman in 1950. The Dehua figure was a gift to him from President Roosevelt who in turn had been presented with the sculpture in the early 1940s by the United States Ambassador to the Republic of China.