Chinese School: View of Hong Kong Island Circa 1865

watercolor and gouache on paper.
framed and glazed.

There are minor areas of paint loss and creases, particularly along the lower edge and in the water. There is an area of overpainting in the sky spanding 4 inches and some minor discoloration to the sky. There are a few areas of repair / inpainting on the left mountain, one 8 inches horizontally, and one 3 inches vertically. Please note that at present, this lot is not archivally framed.
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.

Hong Kong, after the opening of its port in the 1840s, was one of the fastest developing cities in the area as can be discerned from this depiction of the already bustling city. According to Crossman, 1991, p. 417, the signal station, shown on the present lot at the top of the Victoria Peak, was erected in 1861. In addition, the absence of the Hong Kong Hotel on De Voeux road, which was erected in 1867, indicates that this painting was executed in the first half of the 1860s. For a painting of Hong Kong harbor executed circa 1865 and painted with similar sailing vessels, including steam assisted ships and a triple hulk, see The Univeristy of Hong Kong, 2003, p. 123, no. 64.