何紹基 1799-1873

款識：蘭苕館。何紹基。鈐印：「何紹基印」、「子貞」

鑑藏印：(崔維堪)「北萬柳堂崔珍藏書畫印」

- paper bears slightly darken tone due to age - minor paper loss, especially at the left hand side of the paper, restored
"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."

註：此為何紹基為《蘭苕館》主許奉恩所書齋號。許奉恩，字叔平，桐城人士，著有《里乘》一書傳世，與何紹基時有往來。

何兆驥先生出生於中國上海，自幼四海為家，藉此自學成才，並於早年培養出個人的鑑賞品味。其家族經營煤炭業，他把家族業務拓展至航運業，後於1949年離開中國內地抵達香港。1959年，他舉家移民至紐約，一直居於當地至2017年以九十八歲高齡辭世。

何氏珍藏包羅中國書畫、珠寶、家具及其他藝術珍品。他非常欣賞中國藝術文化，尤其是古董文物。其收藏歷程始於香港，退休後他投放更多精力進行購藏，與國際拍賣行專家積極聯繫。他對研究和拍賣過程的享受之情，相當於他對收藏本身的鍾愛。