'WATCHING KITE FLYING' 18TH CENTURY

ink and color on paper
the riverside garden scene with a group of boys flying butterfly and dragonfly-shaped kites, their mothers and grandparents huddled together watching over them, two boys flying their kites high in the air, one boy crouching down observing, and another boy on the veranda begging his mother to play outside, framed

The painting has been backed by a canvas support and show several areas of small tears, restoration and repair which would be expected of large works on paper of this size. The work is covered with an old varnish turned yellow with age. The frame has areas of restoration, and wear and losses.
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.

18th century large scale examples of Chinese genre paintings are very rare.  For further discussion and an illustration of a related painting but done on silk, see Carl L. Crossman, Decorative Arts of the China Trade, Woodbridge, 1991, pp. 156-161 and color plate 49. Crossman notes that the illustrated painting which is of similar height and style to the present example, originally had narrow black borders, indicating that it was intended as one of a series of panels to decorate a room.