A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF A DAOIST DEITY TANG DYNASTY

cast as a Daoist deity, possibly Yuanshi Tianzun ('the Primeval Lord of Heaven') of the Three Purities (Sanqing) standing atop a splayed floral pedestal base, the deity depicted with both elbows bent and the hands holding attributes, the left with a short tubular scroll and the right with a block incised with the character tian ('sky'), dressed in long flowing robes incised with scrolling motifs, the head depicted with a long beard and surmounted by a Daoist cap, wood stand

Collection of Sato Gengen (1888-1963).

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, pl. 310c.
Saburo Matsubara, Chugoku Bukkyo Choukuku Shi Ron/History of Chinese Buddhist Sculpture, Tokyo, 1995, vol. II, pl. 865c.

There are small dents and scratching to the surface, especially at the reverse. Other general surface wear. Rubbing to gilding.
"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."

The impact of Buddhist art and iconography on the Daoist tradition from the Six Dynasties onwards is discussed by Kristofer Schipper in 'Taoism: The Story of the Way', Steven Little, ed., Taoism and the Arts of China, Chicago, 2000, p. 45, where it is explained how Taoism adopted much of Buddhist iconography, and that "we find more and more statues and stelae representing Laozi as Laojun or as Tianzun, and looking very much like their Buddhist models". Although in style the figure standing on a lotus plinth closely relates to Tang Buddhist bronzes, the iconography and especially the incised tian ('heaven') character on the block on his right hand, clearly point to the figure being Daoist.