明 木雕彩塑四大天王一組四尊

each standing with their feet apart, the arms raised in animated gestures, wearing armour over loose robes, tied at the waist with an animal mask clasp, with a scarf billowing over the shoulders, the face with an fierce expression below a five-petalled crown

The figure illustrated to the left in catalogue: there's several long splits running vertically from the head to feet at the front, visible from the catalogue image. The figure illustrated to the second from the left: the front appears good condition but there's a few long cracks running from the head at back. The figure illustrated to the third from left: the front appears good condition but there's large splits to the back. The figure illustrated to the right: a small piece of the crown is missing, with associated further small losses and cracks, further cracks running vertically to the front. there's a deep crack to the centre of its back. All four figures with traces of original pigment on surface, with numerous small splits to the woods and small losses to extremities.
"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."

本品雕工上乘，刻畫四天王護甲細緻入圍，面容威凜，誠為珍品。四天王，常守護佛法，護持四天下，於佛塔四方守護，佛祖出生、得道時均守護在旁。南方增長、東方持國、北方多聞，及西方廣目，合稱四大天王，造型威武雄健，怒目圓睜，衣袍飄逸。 如本品面形圓潤，雕工細緻之四天王像甚為珍罕，一例售於紐約蘇富比2017年9月13日，編號119，刻畫四天王坐於石上，紐約佳士得亦曾售一組木雕四天王立像，售於2014年3月20日，編號2061。

比較山西平遙雙林寺藏彩塑四天王像，尺寸遠比本品龐大，天王衣飾相近，載於《雙林寺彩塑佛像》，台北，1997年，頁33及35。