Deux grand kesi encadrés Chine, dynastie Qing, XVIIIE siècle

le premier à décor d'immortels et de dames de cour dans un paysage lacustre, en conversation sur une passerelle ou disputant une partie de go, le deuxième brodé des personnages illustrant le classique littéraire Ming, Xiyouji, le voyage vers l'ouest, le roi singe Sūn Wùkōng et Zhū Bājiè accompagnant un sage monté sur un buffle, au premier plan des enfants projetant depuis un vase double gourde un cheval miniature harnaché d'un livre de jade en direction d'un dragon dans les nuages

The colours to both are somewhat faded (visible on the catalogue illustration), both have vertical folds (Two main vertical folds to the panel with the children, two other lighter folds covering approx 1/4 of the height, one central fold to the panel with immortals). Each panel is framed and glazed; the black lacquered panel on the reverse of each frame is unsealed along the edges. The bronze mounts that were on top of the frames to suspend the panels to the wall are now missing.
"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 and meticulous depiction of the subjects of boys at play and figures engaged in leisurely activities in pavilions within a vast landscape setting. A similarly composed pair of panels depicting scholars in a rocky landscape, but of slightly smaller proportion, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 11^th April 2008, lot 2824. Another panel, woven 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.