A FINELY CARVED BAMBOO-ROOT FIGURE OF BUDAI QING DYNASTY, 17TH CENTURY

carved in the round with loose robes draped over his corpulent body revealing his chest, stomach and left arm, his right hand grasping mala beads and resting on his upturned knee, his left hand planted by his side next to his cloth bag, his broad smile flanked by round cheeks and long pendulous earlobes, the base carved revealing a stippled grain

Brian Harkins Oriental Art Ltd., London.

There is insignificant bruising to the underside, including a 0.3cm chip. Other general surface wear, but overall good condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

A closely related bamboo figure from the Qing Court collection, preserved in the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated in Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 11. The composition of the Palace Museum figure is close to that of the current example, with a similarly carved and well defined facial expression. Both figures share the same posture, with right knee raised, supporting mala beads draped over the right knee. For another bamboo figure of Budai of similar size and quality, see the example sold in these rooms, 27th October 1993, lot 360.

Budai is a popular deity, traditionally regarded as an emanation of Maitreya. The historical Budai was an eccentric chan monk who lived during the Later Liang dynasty (907-923), a native of Fenghua whose Buddhist name was Qieci.