A RARE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF AVALOKITESVARA WESTERN WEI DYNASTY

cast in the form of Avalokitesvara, standing sturdily on a circular hemispherical base, adorned in long robes with the feet exposed, the stylised garment rendered with layers at the front and folds conspicuously flaring out to the sides, the facial expression rendered serene and framed by an elaborate tall headdress, the reverse of the figure with a small loop for the attachment of a mandorla, wood stand

Collection of Sato Gengen (1888-1963).

Saburo Matsubara, Chugoku Bukkyo Chokoku Shi Kenkyu [Chinese Buddhist Sculpture - A study based on bronze and stone statues other than works from cave temples], Tokyo, 1961, pl. 129a.
Saburo Matsubara, Zoutei Chugoku Bukkyo Choukoku Shi Kenkyu [Chinese Buddhist Sculpture - A study based on bronze and stone statues other than works from cave temples], Tokyo, 1966, pls. 132a-b.
Saburo Matsubara, Chugoku Bukkyo Choukoku Shi Ron/History of Chinese Buddhist Sculpture, Tokyo, 1995, vol. I, pls. 297a-b.

The feet and the pedestal appears to have been replaced. There are minor areas of bruising, including the tip of the headdress and two fingers on the left hand. The gilding is well preserved, with just small areas of rubbing. 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."

This rare gilt-bronze figure of Avalokitesvara was much admired by the celebrated scholar Saburo Matsubara, who identified it as the product of the Western Wei dynasty, that ruled northern China in a short period from 535 to 556. A larger figure of Avalokitesvara in the collection of Tokyo University of Arts, cast in a similar standing position with similar treatment of the drapery, but with much more opulent jewellery than customarily found on images of bodhisattvas from the Six Dynasties, is illustrated in Hugo Munsterberg, Chinese Buddhist Bronzes, Tokyo, 1967, pls. 46A and B, where the author notes that it can be "attributed on stylistic grounds to the Northern Chou period since it so closely resembles the stone carvings of this dynasty", p. 65.