A PAINTING OF DAOIST IMMORTALS LATE MING DYNASTY

ink and colour on silk, depicting a Daoist dignitary seated at the centre with a scroll surrounded by female attendants, the foreground with figures dressed in official attire, a foreigner offering tribute, and an elephant

The painting is in good overall condition with the exception of seven fairly evenly spaced circa 20-40cm., wide x 4cm., horizontal bands of discolouration and rubbing due to rolling predominantly to the left side of the painting; minor tears and repainting including a 5cm., horizontal tear to the elephants paw and one to its front right leg; a 6cm., horizontal tear to the middle left edge; a 12cm., wide V-shaped tear to the top right side of the painting together with a two-pronged repaired and over-painted 12 and 7cm., long vertical tear through the top right females neck and upper body; a repaired 28 x 17cm., section to the top left edge, loss to two rectangular sections at the bottom left and right edge; and light staining to the area below the elephants front left paw.
"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."