A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF A BODHISATTVA TANG DYNASTY

cast standing on a floral pedestal with swaying foliate extensions, the hands clasped together before the chest, dressed in long robes falling into neat pleats around the body, the face with a serene expression with hair piled up into an elaborate chignon, surmounted by a mandorla incised with a flame border, wood stand and Japanese wood box

The figure is in good condition with the exception of some pitting and nibbles to the edges and rubbing and flaking to the gilt decoration.
"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."

This bronze bodhisattva, cast with elegant swaying robes, was once part of a votive altar group; see a group with similarly modelled bodhisattva flanking Avalokitesvara, sold in our New York rooms, 21^st September 2007, lot 9.

A pair of bronze bodhisattva similarly standing on leaves, in the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai, is illustrated in Ji Chong Jian, The Buddhist Bronzes, Taipei, 1994, pl. 114; another in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, is illustrated in Hai-wai Yi-Chen. Chinese Art in Overseas Collections. Buddhist Sculpture, Taipei, 1990, pl. 96; and a third is published in Kindo butsu [Bronze Buddhist Sculpture], Tokyo, 2004, pl. 26.