A White Marble Inscribed Triad Group Northern Qi Dynasty, Dated Tianbao Tenth Year, Corresponding to 559 Estimate $300/500,000

The present stele is carved in the simplified style of carving in white marble found in Quyang, Hebei province, and is particularly notable for the sensitively carved face of the main figure. It features the region’s characteristic overall shallow relief treatment, with only the hands protruding in higher relief. The smaller attendant monks are carved in shallower relied and with even more restraint in detailing, creating a sense of harmony and veneration.

A Large and Rare Brown Conglomerate Limestone Head of a Luohan Song - Early Ming Dynasty Estimate $150/250,000

Sensitively-modeled with meticulous attention to detail that successfully captures the luohan’s expressive countenance, this superbly-carved head is striking for both its large size and vivid realism.

As part of Sotheby’s research process for a Superbly-Carved Limestone Head of Buddha (lot 5) from the Junkunc Collection, we contacted an academic in the field. Only after the publication of our auction catalogue, our attention was drawn to an image of a sculpture very similar to the present work, published by a Japanese photographer who documented the Longmen Caves of China in the 1920s and ‘30s. To allow more time for research, including outreach to the Longmen Grottoes Research Academy, Sotheby’s and the Junkunc Family have decided that the sculpture will not be included in the 12 September sale.

ASIA WEEK AT SOTHEBY’S NEW YORK
September 2018

Junkunc: Chinese Buddhist Sculpture
12 September | 10:00 AM EST

Important Chinese Art
12 September | 10:30 AM EST & 2:00 PM EST

Tang Hung and Feng Bi-Che Collection of Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy
13 September | 10:00 AM EST

Fine Classical Chinese Paintings & Calligraphy
13 September | 11:30 AM EST

Saturday at Sotheby’s: Asian Art
15 September | 10:00 AM EST