A PAIR OF PAINTINGS OF COURTESANS QING DYNASTY, 19TH CENTURY

oil on canvas, each depicting the lady seated, one in a yellow embroidered robe holding a book on a table by her side, the other adjusting a hair ornament, both lavishly attired in fine silk robes and adorned with jewelry, their faces with porcelain complexions and long hair parted down the center, pulled back and held in place with flowered hairpins, the finely proportioned faces featuring eyes with direct gaze and the hint of smile in upturned bow-shaped lips, each painting signed in the lower corner Huang Dasheng with two seal marks of the artist and inscribed with the address of the workshop, original wood frames (2)

Acquired in London in the 1960s by the present owner. 

Both paintings have fine age appropriate craquelure. The painting of the lady wearing the yellow robe has an area of consolidation down the center of the robe and a small patch of in paint to the lower right hand corner. Some areas of discolored varnish.
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.

Paintings of such idealized beauties were popular throughout the duration of the Qing dynasty. They conjured up the essence of feminine grace and attraction. Most do not represent real women but rather a romanticized version of the perfect woman. This genre was made originally for the domestic market. During the 19th century these paintings of women were produced in a variety of media, oil on canvas, gouache on paper and on reverse glass and exhibit a wide range of quality.