the figure, seated with legs folded, holding a ruyi scepter in one hand and a fly whisk in the other, wearing an elegantly draped green-glazed robe painted with lotus, the head, covered by a long cowl falling over the shoulders painted with leafy florets, the face well-modeled with a benevolent expression, a small square aperture on the back, the base unglazed

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. （1874-1960年）收藏
美國副總统 Nelson A. Rockefeller （1908-1979年）收藏
紐約 the Museum of Modern Art 收藏
Ralph M. Chait Galleries，紐約，購於1980年代

The hand holding the flywhisk has been broken and re-stuck and there are three missing beads from the figures necklace.
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.

John D. Rockefeller, Jr. was an avid collector of fine Chinese porcelain.  In 1915 he wrote to his father asking for a loan of two million dollars in order to purchase pieces from the Morgan Collection which was then being offered by the Duveens. In the letter he appeals, "I have never squandered money on horses, yachts, automobiles or other foolish extravagances. A fondness of the porcelains is only hobby - the only thing on which I have cared to spend money." In addition to the Duveens, Rockefeller also had close buying relationships with other leading dealers of the day among whom were C.T. Loo & Co., Yamanaka & Co., and the Ralph M. Chait Galleries. For further reading on the Rockefeller Collection see A Passion for Asia: the Rockefeller Legacy, The Asia Society, New York, 2006, Roy Davids and Dominic Jellineck, Provenance, Great Britain, 2011, pp. 378-379.