A NEIFU WRITTEN BOOK OF THE ANALECTS (LUNYU JIZHU DAQUAN) EARLY MING DYNASTY |

ink calligraphy on paper, comprising of volumes III, IV and V of The Analects of Confucius Variorum, thread-bound with paper cover and textile casing

The book has occasional creases to the corners. There are some water stains predominantly to the top and the left edge. The cover with some minor losses along the top edge.
"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."

According to historical records, a number of handwritten versions of The Analects from the Neifu (Imperial Court) is preserved in the Ming court collections. Such albums are made from the finest paper and ink with the calligraphic script rendered in acute perfection, they bear testimony to the impeccable standards in the making of imperial books. Copied books produced under the supervision of Neifu in the Ming dynasty are extremely rare, mainly preserved in public collections and virtually unseen in private hands. The utmost precision in the making of the present book is demonstrated in the seamless treatment to rectify occasional erroneous characters in the passage. The surface of these areas were first effaced, the thickness of the paper was then evened out by adding thin sheets from the reverse of the page. The edges were then pound down to create a flat surface, and finally the new, accurate character written atop (figs 1).