Deux cavaliers en bronze Japon, époque Meiji

chacun en armure assis sur un cheval au pas; avec un groupe figurant un radis et une souris, et un buffle allongé, Japon, époque Meiji

Please note that this condition report was made on September 5th 2016 inside Robert de Balkany's hôtel rue de Varenne; this lot will be shipped to Sotheby's galleries before the exhibit and the sale. The smaller horse and rider is in good overall condition. The rider is detachable from the horse. There are some casting flaws (bubbling) on the back of the figure and on the horse, especially on the bottom left corner of the saddlecloth. An element is missing from the right hand of the figure. The reins are not attached to the sides of the horsebit. The horse's tail is cast separately, the right ear has been broken off and restuck. There are light scratches and wear to the patina. There are traces of gilding. The bigger horse and rider and in good overall condition. It is cast in 9 parts, with the rider detachable from the horse. There are some casting flaws (bubbling), especially to the horse's nostrils and saddlecloth. Four holes under the saddlecloth are visible, indicating that some decorative elements are missing. The mule's tail is cast separetely, with its junction to the body visible. There are light scratches and wear to the patina. The buffalo is in very good overall condition. There is some wear to the dark patina and scratches on the raised parts and under the buffalo. There is a crack on the back leg. Two character mark inscribed under the belly. The radish and mouse group is in very good overall condition. There are 2 small holes and a ca. 2.7 cm long crack on the radish. There are some minor casting flaws on the mouse and the radish. There are some wear to the patina and a few dents overall. Three character mark under the base.
"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."