A LARGE CARVED WOOD FIGURE OF A FEMALE IMMORTAL SONG – MING DYNASTY

possibly depicting Xiwangmu, Queen Mother of the West, the seated immortal clad in long flowing robes falling into voluminous folds and draped over with a shawl at the shoulders, her hands resting on her lap and concealed under neatly pleated garments, the face with a benevolent expression with downcast eyes and a gentle smile, flanked by a pair of pendulous ears suspending beaded earrings, the hair gathered into a high chignon crowned with a phoenix headdress

Christie's South Kensington, 19th June 1998, lot 574.

As visible in the catalogue photo, the figure has some typical chips to the edges, as well as traces of old lacquer and pigments, especially to the face and robe. It also has some cracks consistent with age, especially to the reverse, some slightly stabilised. There also some insignificant dents and stains.
"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 piece is particularly attractive for the soft and expressive modelling of the figure’s facial features, which exudes a sense of serenity and confidence. The simple and low-relief folds of her robes which fall in vertical parallel lines are reminiscent of stone sculpture and further emphasise the majesty of the large seated figure. Compare a similarly carved sculpture of a female figure with the hands concealed beneath a cloth, sold at Christie’s New York, 17th September 2008, lot 383; another with traces of gilding, sold at Christie’s London, 14th-17th June 1985, lot 398; and a third included in the exhibition Cultural Artifacts of Taoism, National Museum of History, Taipei, 2006, p. 131. See also a wood figure of a standing deity, attributed to the Northern Song period, illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji. Diaosu bian [The complete series on Chinese art. Sculpture], vol. 5, Beijing, 1988, pl. 84, together with a much larger polychrome painted example, dressed in a similar robe, pl. 83.