清初十七世紀 紫檀漆金蓮花生大師坐像

crisply and naturalistically carved in the form of Padmasambhava seated in vajraparyankasana on an elaborate lotus base with the right hand holding a vajra before the chest and the left hand held in avakasha mudra, with a skull cup of nectar surmounted by a finial, the stern expression accentuated with furrowed eyebrows and downcast eyes, flanked by long pendulous earlobes adorned with ornamental earrings, the base detailed with a beaded upper edge and a band of stylised lotus flowers carved in varying levels of relief

As visible in the catalogue photo, there are typical age cracks, minor losses to gilding and derail, and general surface wear. Also, a loss to the tip of a finger.
"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."

Padmasambhava (lit. 'lotus-born'), known as Guru Rinpoche in Tibet and Bhutan, is regarded as the teacher who founded the Nyingma order and introduced the people of Tibet to the practice of Tantric Buddhism. Tradition has it that he lived from 717 to 762, and was invited by King Tisong Detsen to subdue local deities so that construction of the first Buddhist monastery at Samye could proceed. He has been continuously revered throughout the region, and became especially popular in the early Qing dynasty under the influence of the Manchu court.

For another rare example of a gilt-wood figure of Padhmasambhava, see the 17th century example on the himalayanbuddhistart website. For a Mongolian gilt-copper alloy figure of Padmasambhava of similar size and iconography in the Palace Museum, Beijing, see Classics of the Forbidden City. Tibetan Buddhist Sculptures, Beijing, 2012, p. 39, pl. 3 (fig. 1).

Compare also a gilt-copper alloy figure of Padmasambhava in the Rietberg Museum, Zurich, also dating to the 17th century and with similar iconography, see On the Path to Enlightenment. The Berti Aschmann Foundation of Tibetan Art at the Museum Rietberg, Zurich, 1995, p. 176, pl. 120. The use of precious zitan wood on the current sculpture is exceptional, strongly suggestive of a commission for the court, possibly under the influence or inspiration of artisans trained in the Zanabazar school.