A gilt-bronze figure of Avalokitesvara China, Early Tang dynasty, 7th Century

standing upon a lotus plinth rising from a high stepped base with pronounced double-lobed pendant lappets and a barbed foliate rim, the body positioned in elegant tribhanga with right hip thrust to one side and the left knee elegantly bent, with an apron knotted at the groin over the long skirts and jeweled pectoral to the bare chest, the right hand bent up to hold a fly-whisk and the left hand pendant grasping a kundika bottle and rising stalks of lotus flowers and leaves, the topknot adorned with foliate tiara and rudimentary figure of seated Buddha Amitabha

Christie's New York, 4th June 1987, lot 27.

Apart from expected wear and scratches to the gilding, the overall condition is good. There are reddish areas on the right hand and fly whisk, as well as just below the lotus plinth, that may have occurred when cleaning to remove the encrustation, too much was removed and the cleaning chemical reacted to the metal beneath. The actual color is more vibrant yellow than in the catalogue photograph, and the red in the catalogue is more pronounced than on the piece itself.
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.