A LARGE POLYCHROME GESSO AND CARVED WOOD FIGURE OF A LUOHAN MING / QING DYNASTY

possibly depicting the arhat Panthaka, carved seated in sukhasana, the right arm outstretched in kartari mudra, the other clasping the folds of the sleeve, the long loose-fitting robes secured at the waist and falling in deep folds around the body, the intent face with narrow almond-shaped eyes inset with beads, framed by pendent earlobes, extensive blue, green and red pigment, wood stand (2) 

E & J Frankel, New York, 2005. 

The gesso and paint flaked and cracked allover as expected from aging, with the cracks ranging from shallow to deep (especially from the waist downward) revealing the substructures and earlier strata of paint. Please note that the sculpture was installed on the pedestal during examination, so the underside and interior could not be fully inspected.
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.
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Three large painted stucco figures of Luohan in the Lingyan temple in Shandong province, are illustrated in situ in Zhongguo meishu quanji. Diaosu bian. Yuan Ming Qing diaosu [The complete series on Chinese Art. Sculpture. Yuan, Ming and Qing dynasties], vol. 6, Beijing, 1988, pls 23-25; a smaller sculpture was sold in these rooms, 3rd June 1987, lot 281; and a further example from the collection of Arthur Vernay, was sold at Christie’s Hong Kong, 27th April 1997, lot 528.