A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF SAMANTABHADRA ON AN ELEPHANT SONG DYNASTY

cast seated in lalitasana on a lotus base resting on a caparisoned elephant, the bodhisattva Samantabhadra depicted with the left hand held in avakashamudra, dressed in long flowing robes with the edges of the sleeves flaring outward and the hems of the robes cascading vertically to the sides of the lotus base, the elephant finely portrayed with a swayed trunk flanked by a pair of tusks, the group depicted with a figure standing aside the elephant with the hands clasped together, all supported on an openwork rectangular four-legged plinth with an openwork constricted waist modelled as four short legs resting on a stepped base extending into a cusped apron and four splayed legs, traces of gilding

Collection of Sato Gengen (1888-1963).

There is a small circular hole to the underside of the front left foot, probably where it was mounted. Minor surface wear throughout, and extensive rubbing to the gilding.
"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."

A closely related figure of the bodhisattva Samantabhadra in the collection of the Palace Museum, Beijing, is illustrated as one of a pair, together with the bodhisattva Manjusri in Zhongguo meishu quanji. Diaosu bian [The complete collection of Chinese art: Sculptures], vol. 5, 1989, Beijing, pls. 153-4. See also a related figure of Manjusri riding a lion, also with traces of gilding but without a rectangular pedestal or an attendant, in the collection of the Shanghai Museum, illustrated ibid., pl. 155; and a smaller Tang dynasty gilt-bronze prototype, previously exhibited at the Kubuso Museum, Japan, 1993, sold in our New York rooms, 20th March 2007, lot 735.