Lot 182
  • 182

Photographs--A Chan (Ya Zhen)

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • Twenty photographs of Canton (Guangzhou) and Hong Kong. [c.1870]
  • paper
20 ALBUMEN PRINTS (210 x 170mm., or the reverse), each mounted on card, recto only, all but one (a Hong Kong street scene) with white printed captions in the image, mounts slightly bowed

Literature

Bennett, T. History of Photography in China: Chinese Photographers 1844-1879 (Quaritch, 2013, p.118-121)

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This group comprises 18 views of Canton (including the Temple of 500 Genii, the cleypsydra or water clock, city wall and five-storey pagoda, the canal from the bridge, the dragon boat, a Chinese parlour, Chan's ancestral Temple, Examination Hall, West Canton River, Heavenly Peace street, Temple of 5 Genii, and Flowery Pagoda), and 2 of Hong Kong, showing the Tram Way, and a street scene (from the same collection, but without a caption, possibly by A Chan?).
"A studio known as A Chan seems to have been the most active in this period ... A photograph thought to be of the studio's façade in Canton, includes a sign giving its Chinese name, Ya Zhen, and indicating that it also operated in Hong Kong" (Bennett).