A MARBLE FIGURE OF BUDDHA WITH CHAMPLEVE ENAMEL MANDORLA AND STAND QING DYNASTY, 18TH / 19TH CENTURY

carved seated in dhyanasana with hands held in dhyana mudra, wearing a clinging dhoti, the deity further embellished with gilt-metal adornments, a long flowing sash, a necklace inset with coral beads, and a narrow armlet, the top of the head fitted with a gilt-metal vase issuing a floral spray inlaid with coral beads, backed by a lappet-shaped colorfully champlevé-enameled mandorla decorated with lotus scrolls, all supported on a waisted lotus stand with further enameling (4)

The marble figure with some light scratches and wear to the surface and the base with a thin coating of whatever was used to adhere the figure to the lotus stand. The figure's gilt bronze necklaces are missing some coral beads, the gilt sash has some dents and nicks. Please note that only the ends of the armlet are shown around the wrist of the figure in the catalogue image. The flame-form mandorla enamels are crazed and with some minor losses, and there is a large flake chip to the central white-enameled circle. The blue enamel of the lotus base with crazing, some chips and two petals with burst glaze bubbles. The gilt metal with expected wear.
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.

The present figure of Buddha belongs to a group of devotional figures carved from various hardstones and adorned with inlaid gilt-metal details, which are believed to have been commissioned for the Qing court, possibly for use in Jehol (present day Chengde), the summer resort of the Manchu emperors. A lapis lazuli example of this type enclosed within a shrine was included in the exhibition Buddhist Art from Rehol. Tibetan Buddhist Images and Ritual Objects from the Qing Dynasty Summer Palace at Chengde, The Chang Foundation and Kaohsiung Museum of Fine Arts, Taipei and Kaohsiung, 1999, pl. 81. A jade example in a shrine in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, is illustrated in Monarchy and its Buddhist Way. Tibetan-Buddhist Ritual Implements in the National Palace Museum, National Palace Museum, Taipei, 1999, cat. no. 29; and a further jade example formerly in the George Crofts Collection is in the Royal Ontario Museum (accession number 82721.524). Compare also a related jade figure of Buddha with champlevé enamel mandorla and stand, sold in our London rooms, 15th October 1974, lot 37; and lapis lazuli example offered at Christie's Hong Kong, 28th October 2002, lot 858.