A RARE LARGE GOLD AND RED DRY LACQUER FIGURE OF SHAKYAMUNI BUDDHA MING DYNASTY, 16TH – 17TH CENTURY

skilfully modelled and depicted seated in vajraparyankasana on a hemispherical base modelled around the sides with borders of lotus petals, the deity rendered dressed in loose robes falling in folds near the feet, the bare chest centred with a wan symbol, further portrayed with a meditative expression below thin arched brows and an urna, all below hair arranged in small pointed whorls and an ushnisha, the figure coated overall save for the hair with gilt-lacquer

Christie's Paris, 13th June 2007, lot 114.

As visible in the catalogue photo, there is typical bruising and flaking. There is restoration to the tip of one finger. It is extremely rare to find a figure preserved with its original lotus base. These lotus are highly fragile, and on the current lot some of the have broken off and been revised.
"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."

It is rare to find a lacquered wood figure of Shakyamuni Buddha of this large size, preserved with its original lotus petal base. The technique of coating carved wooden figures with gilt-lacquer appears to have emerged in the early Ming dynasty and continued into the late Ming when this figure was made. Such lacquered wood figures imitate gilt-bronze figures. A highly-valued material, but significantly less expensive than bronze, such lacquer sculptures would have been commissioned and donated to temples by the gentry. See a related figure sold at Christie’s New York, 22nd September 1987, lot 351; and a figure sold in our London rooms, 17th November 1999, lot 711.