A Large bronze figure of Vaishravana Ming Dynasty

the Guardian of the North in a defiant wide stance, clad in chainmail armor with a breastplate over the protuberant belly with a monster-mask and long fringed apron, celestial scarves billowing around him, both arms raised, the proper left hand held lower (originally holding a stupa), the face grimacing with bulging eyes and arched eyebrows, below a tightly-fitted cap, the reverse of the apron with inscription including a date corresponding to the fourth year of the Tianqi reign (1624), greenish-gray patina throughout

Sotheby's New York, 1st June 1994, lot 469.
Thereafter with the present owner.

The scarf is broken at both ends. There are old repairs visible on the back and front of the apron. Some minor casting faults, but otherwise in good condition.
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.
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Vaishravana is the chief of the Four Heavenly Kings, each of whom guard the four cardinal points of the world to protect Buddhist law. Vaishravana, 'he who is knowing' or 'he who hears everything in the kingdom', looks after the North and the winter. His attribute is the stupa, which is traditionally held in the left hand. The 'stupa is also described as a small treasure tower which Vaishravana guards,' according to Meher McArthur in Reading Buddhist Art, London, 2002, p. 67.

This sculpture is impressive for its size and crisp casting. Two smaller examples attributed to the Ming dynasty in the Fuller Memorial Collection, Seattle Art Museum, are illustrated in Hugo Munsterberg, Chinese Buddhist Bronzes, Japan, 1967, pls. 93-94. See also a similar, but significantly smaller sculpture sold at Christie's New York, 20th September 2005, lot 146. A gilt-bronze example of Vaishravana was sold in our London rooms, 14th May 2008, lot 655.