A 'BLANC-DE-CHINE' DEHUA FIGURE OF GUANYIN, 19TH / 20TH CENTURY

seated in dhyanasana on a high lotus pedestal base, the four tiers of upright petals rising from crested waves encircling long stemmed leaves and buds rising up the sides, the deity wearing long flowing robes open at the front to reveal elaborate beadwork suspending a lotus pendant, her hair dressed into knotted plaits falling in wavy tresses over her shoulders, and set with a tiara centred with a flaming sun, the right hand clasping the stems of a large lotus bud and leaf, the left hand resting on her lap, the back with a square seal mark reading Xu Yun Lin Zhi

very small chip to inside tip of upper lotus petal below left knee; fine firing crack to upper edge of central upper lotus petal
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The mark is by the potter Xu Yun Lin who was part of the Xu family potters known for their elaborate details, light construction, hollow base and uniform milk white loose glaze. A Guanyin Buddha by the same potter is illustrated by P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, The Porcelain of Tehua in Fukien London 1969, pl 156.

Compare with a similar figure of Guanyin riding an elephant, sold in our New York rooms, 20th March 2007, Lot 774