- 30
CHINESE SCHOOL, MID-19TH CENTURY | The Bund, Shanghai
Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Chinese School, mid-19th century
- The Bund, Shanghai
- titled lower centre
- oil on canvas, in its Chinese ebonised frame
- 45.5 by 78cm., 18 by 31in.
Provenance
Purchased by the father of the present owner; thence by descent
Condition
The canvas has been lined. There is a pattern of craquelure throughout and one small spot of paint lifting is visible in the sky in the upper right quadrant. Inspection under ultra-violet light reveals extensive areas of retouching throughout the composition, notably in the sky and in the sea. The main composition appears to be virtually untouched. As also visible in the catalogue illustration, there is a layer of varnish which has somewhat degraded in time thus affecting the appearance of the painting. This work would benefit from cleaning and restoration. Presented in a Chinese ebonised frame with a nameplate.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
At the centre of the picture, built in traditional Chinese style, is the Chinese custom house. To its right, the tower bell of the Holy Trinity Church, built in 1847, stands tall. On the far right, the British flag is an indicator of the white building most likely being the British Consulate. After opening to western trade in 1842, the western community in Shanghai went from half a dozen houses along the Huangpu river, to a stretch of two-and-three storeyed buildings with gardens over several miles.