A DRY LACQUER FIGURE OF VAIROCANA MING DYNASTY, 15TH CENTURY |

modeled seated in vajraparyankasana with the hands in dharmachakra mudra, the hair in tight, pointed knots around a gilded ushnisha and framing the face in a broad, bowed outline, the pendulous earlobes pierced through, the brows arching down to meet the bridge of the nose between downcast, half-closed eyes and above small, full lips, the surplice crossed over the left shoulder and robes draped in cascading folds over the body, terminating in neat pleats about the legs, the figure covered in dark red lacquer with traces of gilding remaining, independent of and raised on a lotus base constructed as two layers of petals fitting together to conceal an inner cavity containing 27 tightly-rolled sutra scrolls bound together with string (30)

Collection of Dr. Hans Smetana (1894-1977), acquired in China circa 1925, and thence by descent.

The figure and base have typical signs of aging and wear commensurate with date and use, including some cracks and separation to the wood (with associated minor losses), scattered lifting and losses to the lacquer and gilding, and minor chips and repairs (e.g., to the fingers). At least one of the sutras has been lost. Additional images of the other sides and the interior of the base are available upon request.
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.

A similar lacquered figure was sold in these rooms, 1st June 1994, lot 463, and a set of two, of slightly larger size, in our London rooms, 8th November 2006, lot 33. Compare also a smaller dry lacquer figure of related modeling in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, illustrated in Alan Priest, Chinese Sculpture in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 1944, pl. CVVVI, with an inscribed paper scroll contained in an interior cavity dating to the ninth year of the Yongle reign, corresponding to 1411.