A RARE INSCRIBED BRONZE FIGURE OF GUANDI MING DYNASTY, DATED TIANQI 7TH YEAR (1627)

the protective figure beautifully cast seated in a martial pose, his robe draping in ample folds over his arms and legs, partly falling open at the chest revealing an armoured plastron decorated with a mythical animal mask, the robe finely inlaid in silver filigree with a five-clawed dragon writhing among clouds and embellished with hardstones, one side of the robe inscribed with a dedication to a general and dated to 7th year of Tianqi (in accordance with 1627) 

As visible in the catalogue photo, there is some surface wear and oxidisation to the metal inlays, all consistent with age. Several of the inlaid hardstones are missing (some with later replacements), including the two eyes of the dragon on the left sleeve and those of the animal mask at the body armour. The figure is hollow and was probably originally seated on a (now missing) stand . There is some original pitting and minor dents in the cast, including a small hole to the right hem of the robe draping over his right knee. The overall condition is good with no evident further breaks or recent repairs. The bronze is nicely patinated to a warm brown colour and the actual colour is consistent with the catalogue illustration.
"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 magnificent bronze sculpture displays the complete mastery its maker had over the medium, where the bronze has been cast and finished to resemble voluminous flowing robes. The robustness of the figure and the stern features are elegantly contrasted with the exquisitely delicate inlaid design of the robes. A figure of Chen Wu, Guardian of the Four Directions, dated to the sixth year of Tianqi’s reign (corresponding to 1626), is published in The Second Bronze Age. Later Chinese Metalwork, London, 1991, pl. 4. Compare also a slightly smaller figure cast in a similar naturalistic manner, with long robes also inset with silver, was sold at Christie’s London, 3rd October 1977, lot 143.

The figure is inscribed with an inscription of historic significance. According to the dedication text, the figure was cast for worshipping on an auspicious day in late autumn of the 7th year (1627) of the Tianqi period, and commissioned by an Imperial Commissioner surnamed Jin, who was also a “Guerrilla General” for areas of Quan’nan and nearby (modern-day Quanzhou region in south Fujian province), and an Acting Deputy Chief Commander. 

Guandi, also known as Guangong (The Lord Guan), is reputed to be the military hero, Guanyu, of the Three Kingdoms period (AD220-265) who was killed in battle in JIngzhou by the army of Sun Quan, the ruler of the state of Wu. The cult of Guandi was actively supported by the Ming court and his image can be found in court paintings. During the Qing period his popularity continued to grow and he became an important deity for both Daoist and Buddhist devotees. Several Guandi figures from different periods, in the Chang Foundation, were included in the exhibition Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Chang Foundation, Taipei, 1993, cat. nos. 84-6.