Zhang Ruocheng (active 1745)

ink and color on paper; album of twelve leaves
Signed Zhang Ruocheng and with two seals of the artist, Chen Gong, Gong Hui

Christie's New York, 22nd March 1995, lot 100.
Kaikodo, New York.

There is minor wearing to the gold edges of the album pages due to handling. There are minor scattered spots of soiling that is barely visible and a few scattered spots of foxing throughout. There is a minute spot of accretion in the upper right corner of the 7th leaf that does not seem original to the work, but is not distracting.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Zhang Ruocheng was born in Tongcheng in Anhui province and was the younger brother of Zhang Ruo'ai (1713-1746). He attained the jinshi in 1745 and served the court as a teacher. Most of his work was done for submission to the emperor. Zhang's signature on the present album indicates that it was presented to the court, but was presumably gifted to someone as a mark of imperial favor before the work was inventoried and recorded, thus bearing no imperial seals.