Xia Chang (1388-1470) Printemps sur la rivière Xiang

encre sur papier, monté en rouleau, signé ZHONG ZHAO, et avec un cachet
Une pièce de titre et un colophon, et avec onze cachets de collectionneurs

Acquired in China between 1894 and 1922.
Thence in the family by descent. 

There are overall vertical and diagonal tears to the paper extending from the rim into the painting, and along the upper and lower edges of the painting, many of these have been backed/reinforced with strips of paper in the past before being mounted: among them in the first part of the painting, a ca. 24cm long reinforced tear next to the title at the beginning of the scroll, a ca. 25cm long diagonal reinforced tear, a ca. 25cm long tear with associated shorter tears with a ca. 0.5cm large loss to the paper. There are small scattered areas of loss and retouching along the length of the painting. There are some scattered stains and stained areas, particularly to the edges and the beginning and end of the painting. Otherwise the painting is in overall good condition. The colophon is in good overall condition with minor areas of retouching and staining. One of the jade buttons at one scroll end missing.
"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."