TWO 'CIZHOU' PAINTED STONEWARE FIGURES OF ZHENWU YUAN / EARLY MING DYNASTY |

each similarly hollow-molded, the bearded immortal wearing long flowing robes beneath a chainmail breast plate, seated on a cloth-draped throne with a snake-coiled tortoise subdued below, painted in dark and russet browns on a white slip under a clear glaze (2)

Acquired in Boston, 1940-60, and thence by descent.

The figure in the black robe has losses to the glaze at the hair, shoulder and sleeves, with associated minor shallow chips; small firing lines; and surface wear (including minor scattered frits and chips, and surface abrasion). The figure in the brown robe has a loss to the proper right shoulder (as illustrated), minor scattered frits and chips, and small firing lines.
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.

Zhenwu,'the perfected warrior', is one of the most important deities of the Daoist pantheon. His identity as a warrior god and association with the north, the direction from which China was constantly under threat, bolstered the role of the deity as a protector of state and the imperial family. Imperial dedications to Zhenwu peaked during the Yongle reign with the emperor crediting the god for his rise to the throne. A head fragment with close similarities to the present figure was excavated at the main Cizhou kiln site in Hebei province and is illustrated in The Cizhou Kiln Site at Guantai, Beijing, 1997, pl. 155, fig. 5. A similar figure, from the Marilyn Alsdorf Collection was sold in these rooms, 22nd March 2001, lot 95.