China, Foochow--Tung Hing

23 albumen prints (220 x 278mm., or the reverse), each with contemporary number and most captioned in English on the reverse in pencil, unmounted, each preserved in an archival sleeve, a few slightly faded

Bennett, T. History of Photography in China: Chinese Photographers 1844-1879 (Quaritch, 2013), pp.155-214

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."

Rare photographs, overall with good dark tones, by Chinese photographer Tung Hing (fl. 1870s), who "deserves recognition as being among the finest photographers in nineteenth-century China for his superb views in and around Foochow" (Bennett)

The photographs depict four views of Foochow (Fuzhou), three of which almost form an overlapping 3-part panorama; one of "Lovers' Leap"; two of Peling Tea District, including "Peling Joss House and Tea Gardens"; five of Kushan, including the monastery and fishponds; and eleven taken along the Yuen Foo River, including the entrance to the Bankers' Glen, two of Yuen Foo [Yuanfu] monastery, the mill at the Glen, a waterfall, Mount Gu, a view above the rapids, and another at the foot of the rapids.

This group of photographs are numbered and captioned on the reverse of each print as follows, however the numbers do not appear to correspond to numbers on other known prints, and there are two different prints both numbered 171:

3. Lovers Leap
36. Peling Tea district
44. Peling Joss House & Tea Garden
116. Foochow from Princess Grave
117. Foochow below the bridge
118. Foochow below the bridge
126. Kushan
128. -
131. Joss House, Yuen Foo River
132. -
133. (Sung Yuen?), Yuen Foo River
134. Gu (Korr?), Yuen Foo River
145. The first steps, Kushan
150. Kushan monastery
151. The fishpond, Kushan
152. Kushan
154. Foochow above the bridge
171. (?) Glen, Yuen Foo River
171. Po ah Laek Glen, Yuen Foo River
176. The Mill at the Ty Yuen Glen, Yuen Foo River
178. The waterfall in the Tu Yuen Glen, Yuen Foo River
180. Yung Foo, or South River, view at the foot of the rapids
182. Yuen Foo River