明末 牙雕送子觀音像

depicted with the bodhisattva seated on a low stool and holding a child, wearing voluminous wide-sleeved robes with her hair untied, the child clutching a book, the ivory patinated to a creamy tone suffused with caramel patches

The figure is in overall very good condition, with typical surface wear and expected age cracks, as visible on the catalogue photo. The actual colour of the figure is warmer, less yellowish and more orange compared to the catalogue photo. The top of the figure's head is typically with a hole and the hole is filled with wax.
"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."

本例送子觀音坐像雕工精良，應出自福建省漳州；漳州素以牙雕製作見長，多製神仙像、吉祥物件，產量甚豐，遠銷海內外，備受青睞。Derek Gillman認為漳州牙雕主要生產階段約為公元1580年，至一個世紀後由於清兵與鄭成功（世稱國興爺）之役福建海岸線被切斷而致其生產受阻（參見Derek Gillman，《Chinese Ivories from the Shang to the Qing》，倫敦，1984年，頁48）。本品造型、神韻可見受基督教塑像之影響。