A RARE POLYCHROME 'CIZHOU' FIGURE OF A BOY NORTHERN SONG / JIN DYNASTY

standing on a lotus base, his hands raised in adoration, his face with a serious and concentrated expression and his hair tied in tufted knots, his body enveloped in a long thin robe over a short tunic tied with a belt below his protuberant stomach, a shawl around his body, the long ends gathering at his bare feet, painted in yellow, red, black and green enamels; together with: a small 'Cizhou' whistle in the shape of a seated baby boy (2)

On loan to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (1971-2009).

Large figure - has been broken through the ankles and restored, The back section of the base has been broken out and restored back in along a 2 inch triangular section. The breaks are poorly overpainted. the head has been broken off and restored back on through the neck. There are firing faults and kiln adhesions overall. Minor wear to the tip of the nose. The small boy whistle is 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.
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.

For a similar pair of figures of Xi Wang Mu and Dong Wang Gong in the Meiyintang Collection, compare Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 3 (II), London, 2006, col. pl. 1542, where the author notes that fragments of polychrome figures as well as figure molds have been recovered from the main Cizhou kiln site at Guantai, Ci Xian, Hebei province, illustrated in Guantai Cizhou yaozhi, Beijing, 1997, col. pls. 34 and 40; ibid. p. 545.