Lot 564
- 564
A RARE SOAPSTONE FIGURE OF BUDDHA LIAO DYNASTY |
Estimate
70,000 - 90,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- soapstone
- Height 8 3/4 in., 22.2 cm
seated in dhyanasana on a lotus base backed by a mandorla carved with a scrolling pattern, the right hand in dhyana mudra and the left hand (now lost) held in front of the chest, the lean body draped in robes with the folds delineated in rhythmic carved lines and the scrolling brocade hem carefully incised, the broad face framed by pendulous ears and an ushnisha covered in conical curls, the lotus base supported on a further base of waisted, stepped form, the translucent stone a warm beige color
Condition
There are losses to the mandorla and to a section of the octagonal stepped base at the back. The left hand of the Buddha is also lost. Some other minor losses and chips and overall wear to the surface. The stone with some fissures, including one to the left side of the waisted pedestal.
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
Soapstone carvings of the Liao dynasty (907-1125) are extremely rare, perhaps due to the softness of the stone. This figure retains the defining characteristics of Liao Buddhist figures, evident in the plump oval face, fullness of the form draped in simple robes, and lotus flower base on a stepped pedestal.
Liao emperors were devout followers of Buddhism and the religion flourished under their reigns, expediting its propagation in the northern part of their empire. Buddhist figures of this period are better known in gilt-bronze, which bear similarities with the present piece; compare a smaller Buddha seated on a similarly raised lotus pedestal with hands in dhyana mudra, from the Mary and George Bloch Collection, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 102; and another, with right hand raised in vitarka mudra and left hand holding a scroll, sold at Christie’s New York, 17th September 2008, lot 392.
Liao emperors were devout followers of Buddhism and the religion flourished under their reigns, expediting its propagation in the northern part of their empire. Buddhist figures of this period are better known in gilt-bronze, which bear similarities with the present piece; compare a smaller Buddha seated on a similarly raised lotus pedestal with hands in dhyana mudra, from the Mary and George Bloch Collection, sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 23rd October 2005, lot 102; and another, with right hand raised in vitarka mudra and left hand holding a scroll, sold at Christie’s New York, 17th September 2008, lot 392.