A MASSIVE GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF AMITABHA MING DYNASTY

seated in dhyanasana, the hands joined in dhyanamudra on the lap, the sanghati open at the chest to reveal the antaravasaka tied with a cord, the head with strong features, downcast eyes and gentle smile, below tightly curled hair covering the ushnisha and surrounding the oval cudamani, all supported on a separately made pedestal carved to the front with dragons confronted on a 'flaming pearl', with a separate mandorla (3)

There is extensive lifting and loss of lacquer including a large portion of the right cheek and between the back shoulders. There have been losses to the sculpture most notably a section of the top of the back of the head. The surface is darkened with soot from long of exposures to smoke. A complete conservation analysis by John Twilley is available with the radiocarbon analytical report from the University of Arizona AMS Laboratory test AA106843 which confirm a Ming dynasty date corresponding to 1489-1650 CE.
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.

Massive figures such as the present lot, would have been enshrined in the main hall of Buddhist temples, often called the Mahavira Hall, or Hall of the Great Hero. In orthodox temples, the Buddha figures are enshrined in sets of three, representing Shakyamuni, Amitabha and Bhaisajyaguru. 

Shakyamuni represents our mundane world, while Amitabha presides over Sukhavati, the Pure Land of the West, and Bhaisajyaguru the Pure Land of the East. Amitabha is the most popular buddha in Chinese Pure Land Buddhism. Recitation of his name is believed to aid one's rebirth into his Pure Land.

A feature of the present lot more commonly seen on East Asian Buddha figures is the large jewel located at the base of the ushnisha . It symbolizes the unsurpassed Enlightenment of the Buddha and radiates the light of wisdom. In some Buddhist sutras an infinite number of buddhas are said to emanate from the ushnisha.