A RARE GILT-BRONZE VOTIVE FIGURE SUI DYNASTY

finely cast in the form of a votive figure depicted standing against a flame-shaped mandorla on a domed base resting on a stepped splayed four-legged plinth, rendered with the right elbow bent and the right hand possibly raised in abhayamudra, depicted dressed in long flowing robes flaring at the hem, the serene expression surmounted by a tall headdress and three radiating lotus petals incised on the mandorla, all within further incised motifs of scrollwork and flaming wisps, the reverse of the mandorla undecorated, wood stand

Collection of Sato Gengen (1888-1963).
Christie's Tokyo, 27th May 1970, lot 194.

The figure is in good overall condition. There is rubbing to the gilding, insignificant surface wear and malachite-green oxidisation, especially to the interior.
"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."

This sensitively cast figure with gently incised details is a key example of early Sui sculptural style, before the gradual transition to the rounded volumes and clinging drapery of the Tang style. It is likely to depict the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara.

A small number of similar Sui dynasty bronze figures has been sold at auction, including one dated to 567, from the collection of Professor James Marshall Plumer, sold at Sotheby's New York, 7th February 1974, lot 9; and another from the collection of Fong Chow, dated to 610, sold at Christie’s New York, 21st/22nd March 2013, lot 1189. Compare also a Northern Qi figure dated to 572, illustrated in Saburo Matsubara, Chinese Buddhist Sculpture, Tokyo, 1996, pl. 168A, which bears close stylistic affinities to the current figure, ranging from the treatment of the drapery to the similar intricately incised flames on the mandorla.