A LARGE GILT-LACQUERED WOOD FIGURE OF A BODHISATTVA, VIETNAM, 17TH-18TH CENTURY Finely carved seated in dhyanasana on a large separately carved lotus base, his hands held in prana mudra, wearing loose-fitting robes draped over both shoulders and tied at the waist, his serene face with heavy-lidded eyes, gently arched brows, and full lips, flanked by long pendulous earlobes, the head surmounted by an ornate foliate-decorated cap with beaded edges. The figure is covered overall with lacquer gilding of yellow and orange tones as well as red lacquer with black details.

Provenance: Belgian trade.
Condition: Good condition with expected age cracks, losses, and associated old repairs and touchups, further with some nicks and chips as well as light scratches, minor wear and flaking to lacquer and gilt.

Dimensions: Height 70 cm (excl. base) and 87 cm (incl. base)

Literature comparison:
Compare a related gilt-lacquered wood figure of a standing monk, dated c. 1600, in the Pacific Asia Museum, University of Southern California, accession number 1996.28.1. Compare a related gilt-lacquered wood figure of Avalokiteshvara, dated to the 19^th century, wearing a similar cap, in the Pacific Asia Museum, University of Southern California, accession number 1988.5.1.