Shi Tao 1642 - 1718

signed Qingxiang daoren Ji, dated renxu (1682), winter, and with two seals of the artist, fa men, yuan ji, and one collector's seal of Zhang Daqian (1899-1983), a yuan

The Selected Paintings and Calligraphy Works by Shitao, Tokyo, Tokyo Art Co., January 1955, p.21
The Selected Painting and Calligraphy of Shih-T'ao, Zhang Wanli, Hu Renmu ed., Hong Kong, Cafa Company Limited, 1969, vol. III, pl. 82-6
The Chronography of Shih-T'ao, Zhang Daqian ed., Hong Kong, Kao's Oriental Art Co., January 1978
Shitao shuhua ji, Zhang Dongpan ed., The People's Art Press, 1983, Vol. 1, p. 13.

-Overall in good condition except for a couple of very light foxing spots -The actual paper tone appears to be much whiter than that of the illustration
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.

Artist's inscription:
[Today's] painters are unable to achieve loftiness and antique spirit. The problem is that when they raise their brushes all they can achieve is [the repetition of old] decorative patterns. These same patterns have been handed down from the time of Wang Wei [701－761] to the present day, to the point where the characters for 'bird'(niao) and 'how?' (yan) written by three different calligraphers may be mistaken for the word 'horse' (ma). This is indeed a grave error!
Qingxian daoren Ji. On a winter day in the year renxu (1682).