Estimate: $1,000 - $2,000
An extensively carved wood sculptural figure stylized after the aesthetic canon of the mid-Ming Dynasty depicting the Bodhisattva Samantabhadra seated atop a caparisoned elephant, showcasing a deeply grooved underside defined by historic hand-struck adze and curved chisel tool marks, structural grain checking lines, and natural core amber-brown oxidation alongside heavily layered reverse surface passages displaying centuries of atmospheric temple soot build-up over degraded red, yellow, and blue-green mineral pigments and weathered gesso primer
Wood, Gesso, Mineral Pigments, Gold Leaf
35 1/2 x 21 x 9 1/2 inches
The Estate of Janice and Donald Rosenthal
Fair Condition; extensive localized flaking and structural loss to the gesso substrate along the lower back and harness bands, prominent vertical contraction and slow dry-shrinkage splits traversing the raw wood grain of the underside base and the reverse torso of the deity, and deep, uncleaned surface encrustation from historic incense smoke accumulation; evidence of previous structural intervention and older repair work is present on both the elephant's tail and the deity's scepter accessory. Distinction must be maintained between the historically stable, multi-layered temple patina—comprising ancient charcoal, incense soot residues, and oxidized lacquer binders—and superficial modern storage dust; the severe wood checking on the underside base is structurally stable and consistent with natural moisture loss over centuries rather than active mechanical stress, while the active flaking on the reverse gesso layer warrants immediate climate stabilization and localized consolidation to prevent further loss of the pigment field during transport or display The specific mid-Ming Dynasty attribution is designated based entirely upon stylistic visual analysis of the dress, iconography, and characteristic hand-adze base markings; no physical or material laboratory testing—such as radiocarbon dating (Carbon-14), dendrochronology timber analysis, or chemical pigment testing—has been conducted on the core wood substrate or surface paint layers to scientifically verify this production window
If you are interested in bidding, please contact us to request more photos, or make an appointment for in-person inspection. To ensure prompt assistance, we recommend reaching out at least 24 hours before the auction by calling 212-353-2277 or emailing us at admin@capsuleauctions.com.
Condition reports are based on visual inspection by the Capsule team under typical office lighting. Unless otherwise noted, items are not examined under UV light in advance of sale. We do not guarantee the content of written or verbal condition reports. Remember, all lots are previously owned and all sales are final. The absence of a condition report does not imply that there are no condition issues with the lot.
Art has not been examined out of the frame unless otherwise stated. Frames, lampshades, or items described as “supplementary” are not considered integral to the value of the lot and are excluded from condition assessments. This includes any mat, mounting, glazing, hanging apparatus, case, box, or stand. Timepiece movements, lighting elements and items with mechanical or electrical components have not been thoroughly tested and are not covered under warranty by Capsule.
