A BRONZE VOTIVE FIGURE OF MAITREYA NORTHERN WEI DYNASTY |

cast seated on a raised rectangular plinth, the figure with the right arm raised and the left lowered in abhayavarada, clad in long robes falling into cascading folds around the legs, the elongated face flanked by a pair of pendulous ears, detailed with downcast eyes, an arched nose and a gentle smile below hair piled up in a chignon

There is typical surface wear and extensive oxidisation resulting in some loss to detail, but overall good condition,
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.

This finely cast Northern Wei votive bronze figure depicts Maitreya, the future Buddha, seated with legs pendent in the so-called 'Western' pose with hands in abhayavaradamudras. Its iconography is closely related to contemporaneous sculptures in stone. Compare the iconography on a carved stone figure of Maitreya, excavated from the Longmen site, illustrated in Zhongguo meishu quanji: Diaosu bian [Complete series on Chinese art: Sculpture section], vol. 11: Longmen shiku diaoke [Sculptures of the Longmen Caves], Beijing, 1988, fig. 49. See also a limestone figure of Maitreya from the collection of Mr and Mrs Malcolm McPherson, sold at Christie's New York, 17th September 2008, lot 573.