AN EXCEPTIONALLY RARE GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF A BODHISATTVA NORTHERN ZHOU DYNASTY

the deity seated in dhyanasana on a circular pedestal, wearing long flowing robes and beaded chains centered on a medallion at the waist and with a long cord hanging down over the front of the pedestal, both hands holding the long sashes falling from the shoulders and the ornate headdress, the face with downcast eyes and a serene expression, the reverse of the head with a protruding rectangular tab, wood stand (2)

Matsubara Saburō, Chūgoku bukkyō chōkoku shiron/The Path of Chinese Buddhist Sculpture, vol. 2, Tokyo, 1995, pls 336 and 337.
Comprehensive Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Buddhist Statues in Overseas Collections, vol. 4, Beijing, 2005, pl. 735.

There is loss to the underside of the figure's raised right arm and associated loss to a section of the sash draped over the wrist; and another loss to the lower section of the sash suspended from the figure's right shoulder. A further loss to the section of sash held in the lowered left hand and to a section of sash to the reverse. Extensive wear to the gilding throughout; patches of remaining gilding with a pinkish tinge. Other small chips and losses.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Due to the prohibition of Buddhism during the Northern Zhou period, which included the confiscation of property and bronze statues, Buddhist figures from this period are extremely rare. In style the present figure is related to Buddha figures known from the cave temples at Xumishan, located northwest of Guyuan county in present Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in China. These are distinguished by their solemnity and characteristics that include stocky and masculine features, square faces, large noses and thick lips. The overall impression is that of a sombre yet contemplative and calm nature.

Examples of gilt-bronze Buddhist figures from this period include triad stele, from the collection of the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music (Tokyo Geijutsu Daigaku), illustrated in Rokuchō no bijutsu, Tokyo, 1976, pl. 255, together with a seated Buddha figure of the same period, from the collection of Kyoto University, pl. 256. The crown and necklace with large central pendant are similar to that of a standing figure of Guanyin, attributed to the Northern Qi (550-577) or Sui (589-618) period, in the Avery Brundage collection, published in René-Yvon Lefebvre d’Argencé, Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture, San Francisco, 1974, pl. 67. Compare also a related gilt-bronze figure of a seated Maitreya attributed to the Northern Zhou period in the Brooklyn Museum, accession number 88.93.

For Buddhist stone carvings attributed to this period, see four stelae included in Matsubara Saburō, Chūgoku bukkyō chōkoku shi kenkyū/Chinese Buddhist Sculpture, Tokyo, 1966, pls 191-192; a standing bodhisattva included in the exhibition Buddhist Stone Carvings in the Northern Dynasties, National Museum of History, Taipei, 1997, cat. no. 51, together with a seated bodhisattva, cat. no. 52; a standing Buddha figure dated in accordance with AD 580, in the Shanghai Museum, illustrated in Ann Paludan in Chinese Sculpture. A Great Tradition, Chicago, 2006, fig. 138; and a triad stele, from the collection of Sakamoto Gorō, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th October 2013, lot 127.