TINGQUA (1809-c.1870, ATTRIBUTED TO)

ink and colour on paper, an album eighty-five leaves, variously depicting scenes of court, harbour and daily life, portraits and botanical studies, leather binding

This very fine album is in excellent overall condition with the exception of only very light staining to the edges of the leaves, very minor foxing to a few leaves, loss to the bottom right corner of the border of the first leaf (5x5mm.), the end papers are creased and torn with the front paper having become detached, and both front and back leather cover have become detached.
"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."

Of all the watercolourists of the 19^th century, the best known and possibly the most proficient in Canton was Tingqua, or Guan Lianchang. The younger brother of the famed Lamqua (Guan Qiaochang, 1801-1860), Tingqua and the painters of his studio seem to have worked exclusively in watercolour and gouache in either miniature or standard formats, which were often sold in sets. He was diverse in his choice of subject matter as well as one of the most innovative port painters working in watercolour and gouache.

The present album captures Tingqua's expertise in handling a wide range of subjects and his proficiency in the medium, through which he details the exquisite characterisation of Chinese people, their daily life and various objects with exceptional detail for which he is most recognised. The precision of the brushwork and concentration upon light effects is superb, and in each leaf the enchantment of Chinese daily life as viewed by foreigners and the importance of world trade with China is beautifully displayed. The vivacity of the colours has been retained because of the album format of the paintings.

A substantial collection of paintings was brought into America by the American China Trader Augustine Heard, which are now held in the Peabody Museum, Salem, Mass. Two interior scenes of Tingqua's studio were sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 25^th October 1995, lots 1259 and 1260; and several views of China were sold at Christie's London, 15^th July 2005.