HLA, 16 BURMESE COSTUME STUDIES. [LATE NINETEENTH CENTURY-EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY]

16 watercolours, heightened with white bodycolour, each signed "M. T. Hla" in lower right corner, uniformly mounted, (images, 210 x 157mm., average; mounts, 405 x 279mm.), minor spotting or staining

Smart and Mookerdum, Rangoon, bookseller's labels to verso of mounts

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

A fascinating group depicting eight pairs of men and women from seven ethnic groups, being Padaung, Shan, Chin, Kachin, Palaung, Karen, and two different pairs from the Taung Yo people. The Burmese artist, Maung Tun Hla (1874–1946) adopted the Western style of watercolour at an early stage. He received inspiration from a visiting British artist, Sir Gerald Kelly (1879-1972), whose reputation was to become based on his depictions of Burmese people and landscapes.