A RARE EMBELLISHED SOAPSTONE FIGURE OF A LUOHAN ATTRIBUTED TO ZIXIU, LATE MING DYNASTY |

skilfully carved in the form of a luohan seated in rajalilasana on a pierced rockwork base, portrayed clad in finely incised loose garments embellished with pearls and turquoise glass beads, the figure portrayed with a meditative expression accentuated with curly beard and flanked by a pair of pendulous earlobes, further depicted with the left hand holding a ruyi sceptre and the right held in a fist resting atop the bent right knee, the figure rendered with a variegated grey stone, all set on a beige stone suffused with reddish inclusions and dark speckles

Sotheby's Hong Kong, 28th April 1992, lot 280.

The figure is in good structural condition. There are small sections of restoration to the neck and edges, including the sides of the hems and right edge of the shawl.
"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."

The precise style of carving and naturalism of expression strongly points to the current figure being the work of the 17th century carver Zixiu. Little is known about him other than what can be divulged from the small number of extant signed works. For a detailed discussion of the possible dating of Zixiu's works see Gerard Tsang and Hugh Moss, Arts from the Scholar's Studio, Hong Kong, 1986, pp. 160 and 162, where a luohan figure is illustrated, pl. 135, together with another figure, pl. 136, both bearing the signature 'Zixiu'. Zixiu's carving style is recognisable by the meticulous execution of the facial expressions of his sculptures, the detailed carving of facial hair and the use of pearls and pale turquoise glass beads for decoration. Another luohan by Zixiu was sold in these rooms, 30th October 2000, lot 2209 and again, 8th October 2010, lot 2209, from the Water, Pine and Stone Retreat collection. For further examples of his work see a seated figure of a luohan sold in our London rooms, 13th May 2009, lot 9, together with a seated figure of Budai also bearing Zixiu's signature, lot 17.