Statue de SAMANTABHADRA en bronze patiné Chine, dynastie Ming, XVIE_XVIIE siècle

le bodhisattva représenté de face, assis en position de délassement sur son éléphant luxueusement harnaché monté sur un socle rectangulaire la tête tournée vers la droite, une plume dans la main droite, vêtu d'une longue robe, arborant des bijoux précieux, le visage aux yeux clos surmonté d'une couronne à cinq pointes découvrant une image de bouddha

The figure is generally in good condition with the exception of some expected original pitting in the cast in areas. A 2cm section of the rightmost leaf of the crown is missing and the tip of the floral ornament below has chipped off. A few small dents (to extremities of the tress of hair and the tusks of the elephant), a small crack in the cast to the base of the right hand's second finger. Apart from some original casting faults, the overall condition is quite good.
"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."

Samantabhadra is the bodhisattva associated with the practise of Buddhist teaching and joins Manjushri, the lord of transcendent wisdom, in a trinity with Shakyamuni Buddha. The bodhisattva is borne by a white elephant, symbolic of the strength achieved through the practise of Buddhism.

The bronze is typical of later Ming works, finely cast and of rich colour, and made with elegant reference to antiquity, the heavy and elaborate jewellery and voluminous undulating robes echoing the classical styles of Northern Qi through Song period sculpture. Compare a figure of Samantabhadra seated on a recumbent elephant sold together with a figure of Manjushri on the back of a lion in our New York rooms, 23^rd March 2010, lot 80; and another of Samantabhadra seated on an elephant, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28th November 2006, lot 1610.