A BLUE AND WHITE FIGURE OF ZHENWU MING DYNASTY, WANLI PERIOD |

seated on an integrally molded two-part seat with the feet shoulder-width apart and the hands resting on the knees, the face directed forward with a calm expression and framed by long locks, clad in a floral mantle draped over a long robe painted in underglaze blue with clouds at the shoulders and arms and centered with a roundel over the deity's rotund belly illustrating a dragon pursuing a 'flaming pearl', the motif repeated in a band spanning the lower section of the garment, the seat painted with a scene of flame scrolls amidst mountains, the base unglazed, an aperture to the base and to the back

The figure is in overall good condition with a chip. Please note that the actual blue enamels are brighter than in the printed catalogue, and that the overtones of the figure overall are blue. There are scattered minor firing flaws including burst glaze bubbles, glaze gaps, and firing cracks, typical for the type. In addition there is minor glaze flaking to the base, especially to the back of the base, as well as a chip to the front (visible).
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.

Figures of deities gained popularity from the middle of the Ming dynasty, and images such as the present lot were probably made for domestic shrines. A related blue and white figure of a seated Daoist deity sold in these rooms, 17th-18th September 2013, lot 303; another sold at Christie's London, 15th June 1999, lot 62.