A GILT-LACQUERED BRONZE FIGURE OF TARA MING DYNASTY, XUANDE PERIOD

portrayed seated in lalitasana with hands in varada- and vitarkamudra, with downcast eyes beneath a five-tiered crown fronting a tall chignon, wearing a dhoti, elaborate jewelry and long scarf, with long-stemmed lotus issuing from the palms and rising to the shoulders, the pendent right foot resting on a lotus extending from the base of double-lotus pedestal, the footring dated and inscribed 

There are losses to the two lotus blossoms that rise to the shoulders of the figure. There is a crack to the edge of the scarf over the figure's rear left shoulder. There is wear to the gilt-lacquer. The base is unsealed.
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.

The inscription on the footrim reads Xuande suici bingwu wu yueri Wuchangdu Gang Puxu zhizao (made during the reign of Xuande in the bingwu year [corresponding to 1426] on the 5th month and day by Gang Puxu of Wuchang city).

A similar 15th century figure, but in gilt-bronze was sold in these rooms, 15th September 2010, lot 290; and another larger example with a Xuande mark and of the period from the collection of Tuyet Nguyet and Stephen Markbreiter was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 7th October 2010, lot 2145.