cast seated in lalitasana holding a cintamani in the lap, with shaved monk's pate, long, pendulous earlobes, and a round face, adorned in tiered necklaces centered by a lotus pendant, the floral-bordered robes draped about the body and over the dhoti, tied at the waist and extending over the bare feet, the reverse of the figure with an inscribed dedication dated to the eighth day of the fourth month of the fortieth year of the Jiajing reign, corresponding to 1561, wood stand (2)

Acquired in Montreal, Canada, 1992.

In overall good condition with wear and pitting. There are minor casting flaws and a few repair patches including two visible patches to the back of the figure. There are traces of gilt and lacquer. The proper right hand likely once held a staff, now lost. The urna is lost. There are white surface acretions to the interior.
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.

Buddhist figures dating to the Jiajing period are exceedingly rare, as the Jiajing Emperor was a devoted Daoist disciple who actively suppressed Buddhism during his reign. It is recorded that as early as the sixth year of his reign (1527), the Emperor ordered the closure of both the Western Mountain ordination center in Beijing and the one at Tianning Monastery. The Jiajing Emperor favored princes who were devout Daoists, and granted the most fervent followers amongst them gifts and titles. To celebrate the Jiajing Emperor’s birthday, Prince Xian of Shen (fl. 1526-1549) erected a Daoist altar and commissioned Daoist rites, and Prince Gong of Chu (fl. 1551-1570) sent delegates to Wudang Mountain to pray to Zhenwu for the Emperor’s longevity. As a result of the official encouragement in Daoist practice, bronze figures of Daoist Immortals were more commonly produced and today survive in greater numbers than Buddhist icons from the period.