A gilt copper figure of Ratna-Garuda Mongolia, circa 1700

the horned zoomorphic bird-headed deity standing with flexed legs holding up the head and tail of a naga with its snake's body passing through his beak, an emblem of flaming jewels on the crown of his head, with hair rising in flames behind and wings outstretched

In good overall condition, with accretion throughout and rubbing of the gilding especially on highpoints. Modern screw holes bored into soles of feet for attachment to a previous mount, and a loop of modern wire in the left wing for attachment to the finger, the wire in the right wing original. No restoration.
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.

The style and method of construction of the Garuda compares closely with statues recovered by the Swedish explorer Sven Hedin in the 1930s from the Epi Khalkha Sume temple in Inner Mongolia, see Terese Tse Bartholomew, Thangkas of the Qianlong period, in Jane Casey Singer & Philip Denwood, eds., Tibetan Art, Towards a Definition of Style, 1997, p. 112, pl. 97, and Marylin M. Rhie and Robert A. F. Thurman, Wisdom and Compassion; The Sacred Art of Tibet, London, 1991, pp. 144-5, nos. 35, 36 and p. 267, no. 96. Both the Garuda and Hedin's statues are made in sections from fire gilded copper repouss¿ panels set with semi-precious stones, those of the Garuda now missing. The large lotiform stone settings are, however, very similar, as are the jewel bands at the elbows and wrists of the Garuda and the Hedin statues. The Epi Khalkha Sume temple was located close to the foundry city of Dolonnor and it is likely that the Garuda and Hedin statues were manufactured there. Garuda is envisaged as having a wingspan of several miles across and to be able to part waters with its wing power. According to Mongolian popular belief, the Garuda bird is an ancient mountain spirit that converted to the Buddhist faith. He is considered the guardian and protector of the capital city of Mongolia, Ulaan Baatar.