A CARVED AND POLYCHROME WOOD BOOK COVER TIBET, CIRCA 14TH CENTURY |

the four-armed Prajnaparamita with hands in vitarka and dhyana mudra, and holding vajra and pustaka in her upper hands, seated in vajraparyankasana within a multi-tiered shrine, with peacocks, lions and athletes beneath, bodhisattvas standing at each side, elephants and vyala in the torana with makara, naga and Garuda above, surrounded by Buddhas, emblems of the chakravartin, mythical animals and auspicious emblems within scrolling vine, all within a foliate border with hamsa above and stupa below, holes along upper edge for the attachment of a protective veil, now missing Himalayan Art Resources item no. 18450.

Inside gilt panel in very good overall condition. With vibrant gilding with strong extant traces of polychromy throughout. Wear to pigment notably along the outer edge with minor accretion throughout. Further wear, scuffing and accretion along front and three sides. Wax seal remnant with devanagari script fragment on front. Proper left outer edge with further wear to gilding.Exhibited in temporary frame.
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.