Su Yi Active Circa 1661-1688

depicting a scholar and acolyte crossing a bridge to attend a gathering at a pavilion on the river, amidst an extensive mountainous landscape with blossoming trees and pine, with an inscription which may be translated:



Mists Clearing Over Low Hills.  Painted after the manner of Zhao Songxue (Zhao Mengfu) in the third month of summer in the guimao year (corresponding to 1663), bearing two seals: Su Yi zhiyin; one undeciphered 

Chinese Paintings from the Henricksen Collection, Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, Cornell University; Tyler Art Gallery, State University of New York, Oswego, 5th September 2002 - 23rd February 2003, cat. no. 6, illustrated.

scattered losses to silk and old repairs, particularly to upper section and lower right, areas of slight discoloration, silk toned, modern mounts
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.

The style of the present work is derived from Song and Yuan dynasty paintings in the 'Blue and Green' style.  For an artist of the 17th century to create a work in such a style, consciously alluding to the works of the past, strengthens the atmosphere of an idyllic golden age, further emphasized by the presence of flowering trees, an allusion to the story of the 'Peach-Blossom Spring'.