- 639
A VIEW OF HONG KONG FROM THE HARBOR QING DYNASTY, MID-19TH CENTURY | Hong Kong Harbour
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Oil on canvas
- Height 17 1/2 in., 44.5 cm; Width 30 1/2 in., 77.5 cm
oil on canvas, depicting the view from Kowloon, the city of Victoria along the shoreline dotted with many identifiable European-style buildings and further clusters of buildings rising up the slopes toward the Peak, in the foreground American and British ships, including a white steamer, flying their colors alongside junks and sampans sailing or moored in the calm harbor waters, carved black-lacquered and gilt-wood frame
Provenance
Collection of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Mellon, and thence by descent.
Condition
The painting has been cleaned and relined. The surface with characteristic craquelure which has been consolidated and inpainted where needed to small losses, the largest being an approx. 2 inch horizontal section of water. Please note that this painting was not examined out of its frame.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
A painting with a nearly identical view is illustrated in Patrick Conner, Paintings of the China Trade, The Sze Yuan Tang Collection of Historic Paintings, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Hong Kong, 2013, pl. 51. The author notes that a dark blue flag of the famous trading company Jardine Matheson is visible as is the clock tower built in 1862, also visible is St. John's Cathedral and Government House, ibid p. 64.
Closely related paintings sold in these rooms include two from the Elinor Gordon Collection, 23rd January 2010, lot 52, oil on canvas and lot 59, watercolor and gouache on paper. Compare also a painting of the same view attributed to Youqua sold in our London rooms, 12th July 2006, lot 96.
Closely related paintings sold in these rooms include two from the Elinor Gordon Collection, 23rd January 2010, lot 52, oil on canvas and lot 59, watercolor and gouache on paper. Compare also a painting of the same view attributed to Youqua sold in our London rooms, 12th July 2006, lot 96.