A RARE GREY LIMESTONE VOTIVE STELE TANG DYNASTY |

octagonally facetted with alternating broad and narrow niches, the broad niche enclosing the Buddha seated on a pedestal base, wearing long flowing robes open at the chest and extending down over the edge of the base in deep U-shaped folds, flanked by similarly dressed standing Bodhisattva, the stone of a pale grey tone

Collection of Gustav Detring (1842-1913) and/or Constantin von Hanneken (1854-1925), and thence by descent.

This excellently carved stele is in overall good condition except for characteristic weathering due to age, including some weathering to the faces of the figures, and old weathered chips to some corners.
"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."

Steles of octagonal section and carved in relief with figures on each side are found in cave temples, such as an earlier version inscribed and dated to 428, commissioned by Gao Shanmu from Jiuquan, Gansu Pronvince during the Northern Liang period (398-439), and now preserved in the Gansu Provincial Museum, Lanzhou, illustrated in Chinese Sculpture, New Haven, London and Beijing, 2006, pl. 3.15. See also an octagonal red sandstone stele, inscribed with a sutra and dated to the 11th day of the 7th month in the 5th year of the Qianning period, corresponding to 898, from the Sakamoto collection, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 8th October 2013, lot 113.