A BRONZE VOTIVE FIGURE OF BUDDHA NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY, TAIHE PERIOD

cast in the form of Buddha seated in dhyanasana against a flame-shaped mandorla on a flange atop a splayed four-legged plinth, the deity rendered with a serene countenance below a tall usnisa, all framed by a circular halo with radiating lotus petals, the body flanked by slightly rounded striations below a low-relief small Buddha near the pointed tip of the mandorla, all against a ground picked out with dense flaming swirls, the front of the plinth with traces of a dedicatory inscription dated to the Taihe period, the reverse of the mandorla undecorated, wood stand and wood box

Collection of Sato Gengen (1888-1963).

Good overall condition, with a faint dent to the reverse. There is also minor surface wear and oxidisation. The inscription on the plinth is slightly rubbed and indistinct.
"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."

During the Taihe period (477-499) of Emperor Xiaowen, the Tuoba rulers of the Northern Wei moved their capital from Datong to Luoyang and renamed themselves the Yuan as part of systematic sinicisation. During this time the Yungang Grottoes were constructed.

Another bronze votive figure cast with a similar mandorla, with a cyclical date corresponding to 484, in Boxing County Museum, Shandong, is illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji. Diaosu bian [The complete collection of Chinese art: Sculptures], vol. 3, Beijing, 1988, pl. 91; and another lacking the dedicatory inscription, is offered in this sale, lot 3205.