Photographs--Yunnan, Shandong, Shanghai, Rehe and Beijing

2 albums, oblong 4to (208 x 270mm.), 255 silver prints (119 (of 120) + 136; 100 x 150mm., or the reverse), some duplication between the albums, mounted on black card, recto and verso, each with a slip of letterpress text pasted on the mount, original sewn black cloth, each housed in a modern custom made chemise and slipcase, one photograph removed (no.64), slight silver fish damage to a few captions and photographs (2)

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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 addition to the usual urban locations visited at the time by tourists and travellers, these commercially produced albums are notable for the many unusual images of little-known and seldom-photographed rural sites, together with scenes of whaling and inside a prison. The photographs include portraits of local people and views of Tsinan (Jinan), Shanghai, South Manchuria, Weihaiwei, Chefoo (Yantai), Soochow, Chinchow (Jinzhou), Nanking (Nanjing), Lan River, Peking (Beijing), Futoshan, and others taken in the provinces of Shantung (Shandong), Shangi, Suiyau, Jehol (Rehe), Hupeh (Hubei), Hunan and Yunnan.