carved in high relief with a triad of deities framed within the stone niche, the central seated Amitabha Buddha with two bodhisattva figures, Avalokiteshvara and Mahastamaprapta, on either side, the Buddha with the hands in varada mudra and abhaya mudra, above a lotus-petal base with traces of applied polychrome, the sides and back of the stele neatly carved with a dedicatory inscription and date, the 15th year of the Kaihuang period, corresponding to 595, wood stand, Japanese box (4)

Japanese Private Collection, Tokyo, since the 1920s.

Saburo Matsubara, Chinese Buddhist Sculpture: A study based on bronze and stone statues other than works from cave temples, Tokyo, 1966, pl. 200b.

The carving is in stable condition. The top section appears to have been lost, and there are chips to the edges and corners, all as indicated in the illustration. There is surface wear commensurate with age, including losses to the polychrome pigments (as illustrated).
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.