A Polychrome Painted Cream Silk Panel Fragment, Chinese for Export Market

centred with a basket of flowers and fruit surrounded by scattered butterflies and other insects, each corner with angled flowering and berried branches with a small perched bird, with evidence of further insects on the edges, all on cream ground, panel now mounted in a modern wooden, backed and glazed frame

Approximately: With frame 73.5cm. high, 105cm. wide; 2ft. 4in., 3ft. 5in. Textile visible: 69cm. high, 100cm. wide; 2ft. 3in., 3ft. 3in. evidence of panel folded under to left and right, to visible width of 10cm. within rebate. Vertical join down the centre of muslin, and horizontal fold creases across the centre and in other areas of fine muslin. There is some staining to the muslin ground, visible as yellow stains, for example centre of top edge and top left of central vase of flowers. There are areas where the muslin is damaged (including moth hole damage) leaving areas of differing sized holes, with visible white backing cotton underneath, see for example area near bird top left, areas to bottom left and right of basket, and small areas near butterfly centre of top edge, and far right corner and below the insect far right. Paint layer worn in areas, especially to some of green foliage, see top left corner
"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."