China, Shanghai

6 albumen prints joined (170 x 1465mm.), the first print mounted, captioned in ink on the mount 'Shanghai'

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

This fine and rare panorama of the Bund was taken in the second half of the 1870s, as the newest building shown is the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank, completed in 1875, and the old Russell & Co. building is still standing, which was demolished in 1880. Among the many sailing ships, steamships, and junks, is the paddle steamer Hirado, ordered by Dent & Co. in 1864 for its Yangtze steamer business, and sold in 1867 to the Shanghai Steam Navigation Co.