Lai Chong

silver print (124 x 200mm., image 121 x 177mm.), with the photographer's ink stamp on the reverse, unmounted, rather creased, a few areas of minor yellowing (ageing)

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 1920s panorama of the Bund in Shanghai taken from the river front of Pudong across from the Bund, stretching from the start of the Bund upstream of the building of the Asiatic Petroleum Company of North China, downstream to the area below Suzhou Creek containing the river front buildings of the American and Japanese consulates.

The panorama was taken in or around 1926 after the completion of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank (1923), and shows the Customs House under construction (built 1926-27), however the pyramid-topped building of the Cathay (Peace) Hotel is not present (construction started in 1928). Of note is a British cruiser laying at anchor, a couple of junks under sail and other smaller river traffic.