the slender bodhisattva finely carved standing in an elegant posture in tribhanga atop a double-lotus pedestal, the right hand raised in abhaya mudra and the left hand lowered each holding the stem of the lotus blossoming at his shoulder, adorned with long flowing scarves draped over the shoulders and arms, beaded jewellery, a dhoti, and an elaborate headdress, within a mandorla reticulated with scrolling foliage

There is an old loss to the right side of the pedestal which has been polished, approx. 3 x 4 cm, and a chip to the back of the tip of mandorla, approx. 2 cm, with associated cracks. Minor nicks to the edge of the base, the largest approx. 0.4 x 0.6 cm. General surface wear including some loss to the gilding and pigment.
"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."

This sensitively carved zitan figure of Avalokiteshvara, preserved in unusually good condition with the original gilt and red pigments intact, relates to another larger zitan figure of Avalokiteshvara in the Potala Palace, illustrated in Ulrich von Schroeder, Buddhist Sculptures in Tibet, Hong Kong, 2001, vol. II, pp. 824-5, pl. 196C.