明十六 / 十七世紀 銅鎏金龍女立像

elegantly cast with hands draped with a presentation cloth, supporting a flaming pearl on an offering dish, wearing a ruyi-cloud collar with tuft trimming over the shoulders, the gentle sway of the full sleeves and fluttering scarf imparting a sense of motion to the figure, the borders of the sleeves and three-quarter-length overskirt finely chased with floral scrolls, the face cast with crisp features beneath the hair, pulled back into double loops at the back and kerchief-covered buns at the top, all supported on a double-lotus base

購於加州三藩市，1970年代

There is minor wear to the gilt overall, most noticable on the figure's face. There is a small hole at the bend of the right arm and a chip to the tip of one lotus petal. There is some residue in the crevices and traces of red pigment on some of the ungilded sections. The base is unsealed, and there is some minor surface wear, but overall the piece is in good condition.
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.

This elegant figure of Longnu, daughter of the Dragon King, would have stood to the left of an image of Guanyin, with a matching figure of Sudhana, known in Chinese as Shancai, on the right. These two youths are considered Guanyin's acolytes, and while there is no scriptural basis for this grouping, the two of them appear together in numerous precious scroll narratives, folk tales and legends concerning Guanyin.

In the Chinese Mahayana tradition, it is believed that the two acolytes each represent one of the important sutras of that tradition. Shancai personifies the Avatamsaka Sutra, while Longnu represents the Lotus Sutra, where she appears in chapter twelve. She is described as being eight years old, but already supremely wise and enlightened. At one point in the narrative to quiet her detractors, she offers her precious pearl to the Buddha to illustrate a point. Buddha accepts it, and immediately, Longnu is transformed into a full-fledged Buddha, right before the eyes of the stunned assembly.

See a similar figure sold at Christie's New York, 29th March 2006, lot 329.