A PAIR OF IMPERIAL KESI WALL PANELS QING DYNASTY, QIANLONG PERIOD

each of rectangular form, intricately woven in delicate primary colours with a vivid landscape scene depicting scholars engaged in various leisurely pursuits, some listening as two scholars play the qin and guzheng, some huddled around a desk as one of the scholars commences a painting, some taking a leisurely stroll, some playing weiqi, some conversing and enjoying tea and refreshment, some picking grapes, while attendants carry baskets of grain, set within a lush landscape filled with pine and paulownia trees and mountains peaks rising in the distance   

The panel shown on page 102 of the catalogue is in good condition with very minor wear to the silk at the bottom center and possible small stains at the top. The panel on page 103 has an approximately 32 cm long slightly arched crease at the center -- visible in the image -- and appears somewhat stained. Some minor loss to the silk. Neither panel inspected out of the 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."

Kesi is a type of silk tapestry which entails the intricate weaving by hand of decorative designs and brocades, sacred iconography or calligraphy. The expertise of the weavers is seen in the naturalistic depiction of the subject of scholars in a landscape setting, here shown in a rocky landscape lined with patches of moss and pine trees, in a delicate and meticulous manner. For examples of figures in landscape scenes, see a panel sold at Christie's New York, 30^th March 2005, lot 205; and another sold in our London rooms, 13^th July 2005. Compare also one with imperial seals included in the exhibition Heaven's Embroidered Cloths. Four Thousand Years of Chinese Textiles, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1995, cat. no. 118.