A Gilt-bronze figure of a Bodhisattva China, Ming Dynasty, 16th / 17th Century

the figure in dhyanasana, the right hand in vitarkamudra 'teaching gesture', the left hand at the navel holding an ambrosia vase, the bare chest adorned with cascading bejeweled necklaces save for the long layered robe with foliate borders draped over the shoulders, the garment fanning past the legs in even folds, the face crisply cast with a contemplative downcast expression, flanked by elongated ears with floret earings, below an ornate openwork crown centered by a small seated Amitabha Buddha and surrounding the hair falling in knotted tresses down the shoulders, seated on a detachable two-tiered lotus base rising from a reticulated stand

The figure cast separately from the lotus, which in turn is cast separately from the lotus pond. The lotus now loosely joined and one of the lotus buds missing from the railing of the pond. There are casting faults at the front apron, now missing, other casting faults at the rear which would have formed one of the feet of the base, one behind the proper right ear, and numerous casting faults within lotus pedestal. The two attendant figures missing from small lotus pedestals. The figure itself in good condition but missing the attribute in the proper right hand. The tip of the crown tie above proper right ear now fragmentary and cracked. There is tarnishing and accretion overall and traces of modern metal polish in crevices.
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.

Compare a gilt-bronze Guanyin with similar expressions and also with the Amitabha Buddha centering the crown in the Chang Foundation, Taipei, illustrated in Buddhist Images in Gilt Metal, Taipei, 1993, pl. 38. Compare also one with a raised lotus platform, sold in our London rooms, 4th May 1984, lot 464; another with identically rendered jewelry, also in our London rooms, 5th December 1995, lot 30; and a third sold at Christie's New York, 21st March 2000, lot 175.