AN EXCEPTIONAL LARGE LIMESTONE FIGURE OF A BODHISATTVA TANG DYNASTY |

carved in an elegantly eased standing posture with the proper right hand raised, holding vestiges of a kalasa, the left hand lowered and lightly lifting a draped sash and garments, the hair gathered high in a neatly spiraled topknot encircled by a diadem and falling down the back in coiled locks, the full face carved with arched brows sweeping above gently opened almond eyes, the plump lips carved with a clearly defined bowed outline and painted a bright red, with three incised lines to the neck above a necklace of geometric pendants, a sash swept diagonally over the bare chest and naturalistically fleshy torso, a diaphanous dhoti masterfully carved over the legs in cascading folds following the attitude of the hips and the slightly bent leg, with traces of red, blue, green, and gilt pigments, supported on an octagonal base of lotus petals over a waist of rectangular panels above a further tier of petals

The figure is in very good general condition for its age and size, with only minor scattered losses to edges and extremities (including to the object in the proper right hand, to the edges of the lotus base, and to the toes), scattered shallow nicks, and expected loss to pigments (all as illustrated). The stone is slightly lighter and grayer than in the catalogue illustrations.
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.