CHINESE SCHOOL, LATE 19TH CENTURY | The Ports of Hong Kong, Macao, Canton and Amoy

All four canvases have been relined and are attached to modern keyed wooden stretchers. There is a pattern of hairline craquelure throughout, however not distracting, in all four. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals scattered retouching in all four, in particular: - view of Canton: lines of in-painting in the sky and traces of residual varnish in the sea; - view of Macao: clusters of spots and scattered lines of in-painting in the sky, including a circa 4cm vertical line in the upper left possibly addressing an old tear. Traces of residual varnish are also visible in the sea; - view of Amoy: scattered spots and lines of in-painting in the sky, including a 5 by 5cm area in the upper left quadrant possibly addressing an old tear. Strokes of retouching are also visible along the left, upper, and right framing edges. An area of retouching is also visible in the sea towards the centre of the lower framing edge. One minor spot of paint loss, which appears to be stable, is visible in the tree foliage in the lower right quadrant; - view of Hong Kong: a few, isolated spots and lines of retouching in the sky, including a circa 6 by 15cm 'π' shaped area in the upper left possibly addressing an old tear. It should be noted most of the aforementioned retouchings are not visible to the naked eye and the main compositions appear to be virtually untouched. Overall, these works present well and are ready to hang. Each presented in modern replicas of Chinese trade frames.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."