Lot 542
- 542
A BRONZE FIGURE OF 'WATERMOON' GUANYIN SONG DYNASTY
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- bronze
seated in rajalilasana with the left foot pendent upon a lotus blossom, the right leg gracefully raised supporting the right arm on the knee, wearing a dhoti falling into elegant folds, the chest adorned with a beaded necklace, the face with a benevolent expression, crowned by a tall headdress centered by a figure of Amitabha Buddha, all within a large grotto of stylized rocks, supported on a high waisted rockwork pedestal on a stepped rectangular plinth (2)
Condition
The figure is in overall good condition, except for a small circular recess to the urna with possible loss to the inlay. The stand with losses to the top section of the central rockwork backing. The left flanking rockwork, the standing acolyte on the left of the four-legged plinth, and the stem supporting the lotus blossom below the figure's left foot are now missing. The left front leg of the plinth is slightly pressed forward. The surface with expected wear, accretions, and scattered dents, 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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The image of Avalokitesvara seated within a grotto representing Mount Potalaka is typically known as the 'Watermoon' Guanyin within Chinese iconography, and is derived from a passage in the Avatamsaka Sutra, the 'Flower Garland' Sutra, which relates the spiritual journey of a youth, Sudhana, who is advised by the bodhisattva of Wisdom, Manjusri, to visit fifty-three different beings in his quest for ultimate truth.
The present lot belongs to a small group of 'Watermoon' Guanyin figures that still retain their original grotto stand. See two closely related examples, one offered in our New York rooms, 22nd September 2004, lot 22, and the other sold in our London rooms, 7th June 1988, lot 35.
Compare also a similar figure with stand, but lacking the grotto, in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., illustrated by Hugo Munsterberg, Chinese Buddhist Bronzes, Tokyo, 1967, pl. 69, and another sold at Christie's London, 10th December 1990, lot 38. For examples without the stand, see two sold in our London rooms, 9th June 2004, lot 134 and 12th June 1990, lot 27.
The present lot belongs to a small group of 'Watermoon' Guanyin figures that still retain their original grotto stand. See two closely related examples, one offered in our New York rooms, 22nd September 2004, lot 22, and the other sold in our London rooms, 7th June 1988, lot 35.
Compare also a similar figure with stand, but lacking the grotto, in the Freer Gallery of Art, Washington D.C., illustrated by Hugo Munsterberg, Chinese Buddhist Bronzes, Tokyo, 1967, pl. 69, and another sold at Christie's London, 10th December 1990, lot 38. For examples without the stand, see two sold in our London rooms, 9th June 2004, lot 134 and 12th June 1990, lot 27.