A RARE GROUP OF SIXTY-FOUR GENRE PAINTINGS QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

gouache on paper, each scene well-painted chronicling a variety of activities ranging from ordinary daily occurrences; shops, family meals, a visit from the doctor to ceremonial and religious events: New Year's celebrations, a Buddhist temple, Daoist sages, all painted in vivid and lively detail, forty-six mounted, matted and framed, and inscribed on the reverse with a description, with lacquer box and cover; together with an album reproduction of the paintings grouped into categories by Caroline Zimmerman (67)

R. Gordon Barton, The Sporting Gallery, Inc., Middleburg, Virginia, 11th June 1977. 

The group is in overall good condition. The paintings are matted and either framed or behind a protective plastic sheet so it is not possible to examine them out of their protective casings. There is some lifting from the mats, some with slight stains. The pigments, for the most part, are still vibrant.
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.

Groups of genre paintings provided Westerners a popular and attractive means of learning about everyday life in exotic and distant China. These painted snapshots allowed the West to better appreciate and admire Chinese culture and customs. The present group distinguishes itself from the norm of this type with its wide range of subject matter. It is unusual to find depictions of somewhat esoteric topics such as religious practices, burial rites, and family celebrations. Each painting captures a moment with such specificity and detail providing an enduring document of long past events to be enjoyed in the present and future.