A SOAPSTONE FIGURE OF AJITA 17TH CENTURY |

seated with his right knee raised holding his long eyebrow in his right hand, the long robes falling into neat folds and decorated with stylised ruyi and a central roundel rendered with stylised dragon motifs, the face with a benevolent expression, the opaque stone of a beige tone with darker inclusions 

There is a crack line around the neck suggesting the head has probably been broken off and restored, with associated area of restoration to both long eyebrow, a flaw to the stone around the bottom with a small infill which measuring approximately 0.7cm wide. Two losses to the stone to the lower edge of the robe and base, the bigger measures 3.1 wide. With surface scratches and wears.
"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."

Compare a similar soapstone figure of a seated luohan, from the collection of Sir Hans Sloane and donated to the British Museum, London, in 1753, illustrated in R. Soame Jenyns and William Watson, Chinese Art. The Minor Arts II, London, 1965, pl. 182 (left).