TWO PAINTINGS OF THE KINGS OF HELL 17TH / 18TH CENTURY |

each finely painted on silk, depicting one of the ten kings of hell, the imposing central figure in a Ming-style imperial headdress and regal attire, seated in front of a dragon screen and presiding over an otherworldly court, surrounded by attendants assisting with scholarly implements, with demon assistants carrying out sentences and punishing souls in the foreground, framed (2)

Both paintings have been mounted onto a hard board and have numerous horizontal and vertical consolidated lines of wear and abrasion. The painting with the white robed dignitary with three areas of repaired tears now visible and the retouching discolored- one within the dragon panel, another to the shoulder of the robe and the third at the table near the sleeve. Both paintings with wear overall, minor losses, some staining (most visible at the lower sections), and some in-painting.
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.