A GILT-BRONZE FIGURE OF LIU HAI QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG MARK

finely cast, the figure holding his three-legged toad in his right hand and a large gold coin to tempt the toad in his left, his face with thoughtful expression, eyes closed and a slight smile, wearing a long robe falling in deep folds down over his bare feet and incised with cloud-scrolls and lotus bands at the hems, inscribed vertically to the back with a four-character reign mark

The joints between the hands, the toad and the body are slightly loose, but the attachments are still intact. Apart from some minor tarnishing, surface scratches and typical wear to the gilding (especially to his head), the overall condition is quite good.
"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 rare sculpture of Liu Hai is an exquisite and rare example of a Daoist figure made during the Qianlong period, a time when Buddhist figures were created in abundance. The sense of movement captured in the rhythmic folds of the sleeves of his robes and the naturalistic weathered face are characteristic of bronze sculpture created in the early years at the Zaobanchu (Imperial Palace Workshop) of Qianlong's reign. A related figure, and inscribed, 'From the Collection of Li Gangjun, made in the first year of the Jingkang period (1126); may my sons and grandsons treasure this forever', was sold in our London rooms, 23^rd April 1963, lot 93; and another, but standing on a rectangular base, was sold at Christie's Amsterdam, 20^th May 2008, lot 363, and again in these rooms, 8^th October 2010, lot 2793. For a figure of Liu Hai with his toad and carrying a coin, but of more emaciated form and stylised robes, see one sold in our London rooms, 11^th July 1972, lot 18.

Revered as a god of wealth and a suppressor of evil spirits, Liu Hai is a historical figure from the Han dynasty who was once a prime minister. Legend has it that he came upon a Daoist master who asked Liu Hai for ten eggs. The master subsequently stacked the eggs into the shape of a pagoda with coins in between. Through this exchange with the Daoist master Liu Hai became enlightened and was immediately transported into the world of the Immortals. Along with the coin, Liu Hai's pet three-legged toad is also a symbol of wealth, as the toad had had to be coaxed out of wells with gold coins by Liu Hai.