9th May, 2024 10:00
Asian & Islamic Art
439
Bronze standing figure of a Taoist monk
Chinese, Ming period
the serene standing robed figure with head slightly turned to the right and with symbolic lingchi fungus, deer, and a crane all resting on the rocky base, 45.2cm high
Provenance: the figure is sold with an interesting original letter from Thomas Godwin of Barbon, Kirkby Lonsdale, Westmoreland dated February 7th 1847, detailing the gift of the bronze to the relative of the vendor. 'I possess one very fine figure, I bought it in Canton, some time and thirty years ago; it had been dug out of ruins- Whether it represents Confortsee, or not, I am unable to say: neither could I get any information on that need from Dr Robert Morrison, the great Chinese scholar to whom I showed the figure..'. The letter also details the gift of some porcelain from Canton and some glassware.
Sold for £3,600
Estimated at £500 - £700
Bronze standing figure of a Taoist monk
Chinese, Ming period
the serene standing robed figure with head slightly turned to the right and with symbolic lingchi fungus, deer, and a crane all resting on the rocky base, 45.2cm high
Provenance: the figure is sold with an interesting original letter from Thomas Godwin of Barbon, Kirkby Lonsdale, Westmoreland dated February 7th 1847, detailing the gift of the bronze to the relative of the vendor. 'I possess one very fine figure, I bought it in Canton, some time and thirty years ago; it had been dug out of ruins- Whether it represents Confortsee, or not, I am unable to say: neither could I get any information on that need from Dr Robert Morrison, the great Chinese scholar to whom I showed the figure..'. The letter also details the gift of some porcelain from Canton and some glassware.
On a heavily weighted base, with various old holes, wear and marks. And with later wing nuts used to support the figure.
Disclaimer: whilst we seek to describe lots accurately, it may be impractical for us to carry out exhaustive due diligence on each lot. Prospective buyers are given ample opportunities to view and inspect before any sale and they (and any independent experts on their behalf) must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any description applied to a lot. Prospective buyers also bid on the understanding that, inevitably, representations or statements by us as to authorship, origin, date, age, provenance, condition or estimated selling price involve matters of opinion.
Auction: Asian & Islamic Art, 9th May, 2024
Viewing
Friday 3rd May 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 7th May 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 8th May 10am - 5pm
Thursday 9th May 9am - 10am
There will be no viewing during the sale.
