Ming Dynasty Lacquer Buddha body stuffed with scrolls and other things (seeds, leaves, cotton etc,) on an early carved custom base, with ivory head and hands (probably 18/19thC replacements that cannot be sold with body as I do not have paperwork I will make no exceptions for this as the laws are extremely serious for violations- I would sell the body alone). You can see one of the scrolls in the shot of the underside, which has a triange which can be removed. Some chipping and minor cracks as seen in photos, but no signiciant damage or repairs. Base appears original (600 years old!) , and to be very finely carved hard dark wood (rare and valuable in and of itself). Large at 14 inches (body alone). Very rare piece. I once saw a nearly identical body (alone with no head or hands as they are carved of elephant ivory) sell at auction for close to $30,000 though I cannot find the reference to include in this listing. I do have original black and white photos from the 1970's along with letters from a well known university academic who has written many books on Asian sculpture describing the piece along with his opinions, which should be sufficient to apply for CITES authorization to recognize this piece to be eligible to be considered under CITES regulations. I do plan to apply for this in the future, but currently the body alone with NO HEAD/HANDS (FIRM) is being sold. Replacement head and hands can be made by the next owner if so desired. Opening bid cut by 40% from previous auction