Qi Baishi (1864-1957) Fleurs et libellule

encre et couleurs sur papier, encadré et sous verre, signé QI BAISHI, avec une inscription, et avec un cachet de l'artiste

Acquired directly from the artist in Beijing in 1955.
Thence in the family by descent.

The painting has been examined outside of the frame. The mounted painting has been backed with paper at a later point. There are a losses to the paper on the upper left and right hand corners and to the lower right hand corner. The surface is slightly creased (possibly because of the later paper backing). There is a ca. 3x2cm wide area above the dragonfly where the paper has been reinforced.There is a small, ca. 5x2cm patch of paper to the back of the painting covering two small holes in the paper. There is an inscription in Chinese visible on the upper left hand side of the painting. The colours are a slightly less bright than the catalogue illustration suggests.
"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."