明早期十四世紀 乾漆夾紵寶生佛坐像

seated in dhayanasana, with left hand in dhyanamudra, the right hand resting on the lap in varadamudra; combining to make the 'gesture of supreme accomplishment and meditation', the face displaying a quiet smile beneath hair curled in whorls covered in dark lacquer, wearing a loose robe tied at the waist, with traces of gold leaf on the face and parts of the body

法國私人收藏

摩納哥私人收藏，1950年代起

There are missing whorls to the head. The hand has been off and reattached, and there is a 9 x 11 inch (22.7 x 27.9 cm) section of the back that has also been broken and reattached with associated cracks. There are large sections to the edge of the robe missing. There is loss and flaking to the gilding and pigments overall, and the expected scattered splits and cracks all over due to age and use.
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.

Ratnasambhava, ‘The Source of Precious Things’, or ‘He who is born of the Jewel’, is the third of the Five Dhyani Buddhas and represents the element of fire as well as the Buddha of the south. These Five Dhyani Buddhas are transcendent beings with the number five possibly representing the five directions (the four cardinal points and the zenith) the five significant moments in the life of the Buddha, or the five senses.

This figure has been made to imitate gilt-bronze figures, as seen in the style of modeling coupled with the gilded surface. A highly-valued material, but significantly less expensive than bronze, such lacquer sculptures would have been commissioned and donated to temples by the gentry. See a related figure sold at Christie’s New York, 22nd September 1987, lot 351; and a figure of Buddha depicted as a bodhisattva, sold in our London rooms, 17th November 1999, lot 711. Compare also figure of a Buddha seated on a lotus-petal base, sold in these rooms, 1st June 1994, lot 463.