CHINESE SCHOOL, 19TH CENTURY A SCENE FROM THE DREAM OF THE RED CHAMBER

ink and colour on paper, with a part seal of Jiao Bingzhen (1689-1726) to the lower left, framed

Christie's Milan, 19th May 1998, lot 278.

There are a number of areas of repair to the work, that is an area to the lower left corner; a 14cm vertical tear to the lower edge to the right of the work; a 5cm by 2cm area of damage to the right of this; a 16cm by 4cm area to the lower left side with an associated 20cm long repaired tear; a 17cm repaired tear above this; another larger damaged area to the top left corner (approx. 20cm by 22cm). There are also some repaired tears to the top section of the work and some repaired creases and tears to the central area.
"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."

Intricately painted in the Qing Court style, this large scroll appears to depict a scene from the popular novel Honglou meng [Dream of the red chamber], considered one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese culture. Composed in the 18th century by Cao Xueqin, Honglou meng tells the story of the gradual fall of the aristocratic Jia family, who resided at Rongguo House and at Ningguo House, two adjacent compounds in the capital. This painting possibly depicts the family at Daguanyuan, a large garden at Rongguo House that was built for the first visits of the Imperial consort Jia Yuanchun, the elder sister of Jia Bayu, the male heir of the family and main character of the novel. The wealth of the family is described in detail in the first part of the novel, and is here evident in the elegant clothing and fine jewelleries wore by the ladies, as well as the luxurious interiors: from large hanging scrolls decorating the walls, to classical furniture and tasteful display of antiques.