A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF WEITUO MING DYNASTY |

standing with the feet wide, the hands clasped in front of the chest, and the gaze directed ahead, the sturdy body elaborately dressed in a long underrobe with brocade borders, an armored knee-length tunic, and a short silk jacket tied at the chest, as well as richly ornamented arm and shin guards, patterned boots, a bejeweled cap secured with a ribbon, and a billowing sash framing the figure, the jacket sleeves and the hem of the underrobe similarly blowing in the wind, the round face with wide eyes drawn upwards at the corners, a short beard and mustache with a short tang extending from each foot, wood stand (2)

Eastern Pacific Co., Hong Kong, 15th March 1987.
Collection of Florence (1920-2018) and Herbert (1917-2016) Irving, no. 1863.

The figure is in overall good condition with only scattered minor nicks to the surface and wear to the gilt. The stone inset into the ribbon suspended from the waist has been lost and the posts under the feet may be later added. Please note that this lot includes a stand, frame or other component made from a type of Chinese hardwood, which, if exported, will require a CITES permit to leave the United States.
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.

According to the Golden Light Sutra, Weituo is a bodhisattva responsible for protecting the teachings of Buddhism and is the leader of the twenty-four celestial guardian deities. Sculptures of him are traditionally placed in front of or to the right of images of the Buddha to serve an apotropaic function. Similar Ming dynasty gilt-bronze figures of Buddhist guardians include a pair in the collection of the Seattle Art Museum published in Hugo Munsterberg, Chinese Buddhist Bronzes, Rutland and Tokyo, 1967, pls 93 and 94; one in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts published in Hai-wai Yi-chen: Chinese Art in Overseas Collections: Buddhist Sculpture, vol. I, Taipei, 1986, pl. 182; and a figure of Weituo sold in these rooms, 17th September 2016, lot 1137.