A RARE SET OF FIVE FINELY MODELED PAINTED POTTERY LUOHAN SONG DYNASTY |

each figure seated on a rockwork base in varying poses of ease or meditation, attired in long, monastic, loose robes falling in naturalistic folds, two bare-chested and one with the tips of both square-toed shoes protruding below the hem, the expressive countenances sensitively individualized with finely incised wrinkles, brows, and smile lines, framed by pendulous lobes, with traces of bright green and red pigment (5)

Sotheby's New York, 17th September 2003, lot 51.

The figures are in good overall condition. There are small losses to extremities such as fingers and along edges and some chips to the edge of the bases. The surface of each figure with wear and accretions consistent with age.
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.

Naturalistically modeled after the sculptural tradition of the Tang dynasty (618-907), figures such as the present  luohan were produced to be displayed in groups in temples to encourage devotees to reach a state of deep meditation. Related sculptures include an example in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, illustrated in René-Yvon Lefebvre d’Argencé, Chinese, Korean and Japanese Sculpture in the Avery Brundage Collection, San Francisco, 1974, pl. 147; one, likely from the Zijin’an temple, Wu Xian, Jiangsu province and now in the Palace Museum, Beijing, published in Zhongguo Meishu Quanji, Wudai Song Diaosu/Complete Series on Chinese Art, Sculpture, Five Dynasties and Song, vol. 5, Beijing, 1988, pl. 151; one in the Baerwald Collection, included in the exhibition Ausstellung Chinesischer Kunst, Berlin, 1929, cat. no. 494; and another, once in the Sun Zi temple, Shanxi province, from the collection of Mrs. James Cromwell, sold in these rooms, 4th December 1984, lot 116. See also a luohan from the collection of Arthur Vernay, sold in our London rooms, 10th June 1986, lot 88, again at Christie’s Hong Kong, 2nd November 1999, lot 766 and a third time in our Hong Kong rooms, 3rd-4th December 2015, lot 584. 

Luohan are protectors of the Buddha’s teaching who reached advanced states of spiritual awareness. From the 10th to 13th centuries, ceramic figures of luohan were made in various sizes, from small figurines such as the present figures to imposing, life-sized sancai-glazed models. The present type of painted pottery and stoneware figures belong to a group that are usually portrayed sitting on roughly hewn rocks engaged in study and meditation. 

The dating of this lot is consistent with the results of thermoluminescence test, Oxford Authentication Ltd., no. C103n33.