PAINTING OF YANG GUIFEI PREPARING FOR PRESENTATION TO THE EMPEROR QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

ink and color on silk, the legendary beauty depicted in a revealing transparent gown, turned in three-quarter profile, the elegantly draped silk secured by a cord suspending a jade ornament and long tassel, with arms raised, flanked by two attendants delicately arranging a layer of sheer fabric with phoenix medallions, as the consort, with her hair upswept and secured by gilt phoenix pins trailing pears, directs her gaze to a young servant girl bearing a tray with winepot and stemcup, mounted and framed

There has been some fading of the pigments. There are two small tears to the silk that have been consolidated and there are several small liquid stains to the surface.
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.

Known as one of the Four Beauties of ancient China, Yang Guifei, which translates as Imperial consort Yang with guifei being the highest rank for consorts at the time, was the beloved consort of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang dynasty during his later years. One of the better known representations of the curvaceous beauty is now in the Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Museum, Washington D.C. by Qian Xuan (1235-1305) "Yang Guifei Mounting a Horse".