Shanghai--Hikoma Uyeno (Ueno)

4 albumen prints, each mounted on thick card (252 x 274mm.), joined with cloth to form a folding 4-part panorama (206 x 1084mm.), original printed label on the reverse of the first section, closed tear in the second image, some fading and spotting (mostly in the first two sections)

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."

A RARE PANORAMA OF SHANGHAI. The printed label reads: 'Shanghai. Taken from scaffold 160 feet high. By H. Uyeno. Photographer. No.16, Foochow Road.' Ueno (1838-1904) was a pioneer Japanese photographer noted for his fine portraits and landscapes; he opened a studio in Shanghai in 1891. "This panorama shows the Whangpoo and the Bund with Pootung (Pudong) in the background. It can be dated to early 1893, because the third section shows the new Customs House tower under construction, which was completed in mid-1893. The panorama was taken from the scaffolding on the newly built Trinity Church steeple which was the tallest structure in Shanghai until well into the twentieth century." (Crow, D. Old Shanhai's Bund. Rare images from the 19th century, Hong Kong, 2012, illustrated pp.69-70)