BODHISATTVA KOKUZO JAPON, ÉPOQUE KAMAKURA |

encre, couleurs, or et feuilles d'or sur soie, montée en rouleau, boîte couverte en bois (3)

Acquired by Willem van Heusden in Japan before 1955 (according to his wife).

There are scattered vertical and horizontal creases to the silk across the painting with associated losses to the pigments, particularly on the Bodhisattva figure and on the mandorle. Some losses have been retouched, some have been filled in, others reinforced. There are losses to the gold.The colours of the painting are softer and less cold than the catalogue illustration suggests.
"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 painting shows the Kokuzo Bodhisattva seated on a lotus flower in a pose which was already traditional for this bodhisattva during the Nara period. It is impossible to date this painting more accurately than we have done above, latest end of the twelfth century but possibly earlier.'
Quote Willem van Heusden in his notes accompanying the painting.