Chinese School

gouache on paper
depicting northern European architecture among rolling hills, trees and rockwork, with European and Chinese vessels sailing in a coastal harbor, a goatherd with his flock in the foreground of one landscape, framed (2)

Private collects ion, Inner Mongolia (by repute).
H. Leo Gould, Inc., New York, acquired from the above.
Grandfather of the present owner, acquired from the above, 1935.
Thence by descent.

paper laid down on paper, framed against glass, numerous inpanted flakes throughout, scattered abrasions and repaired tears throughout, scattered staining soiling and spotting, one work with large discolored areas of inpainting to upper left corner and along right edge, small loss to lower center, slight trimming to edges, thin silk mounts to edges
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 stat.mes nt made by Replica Shoes '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.

The architecture found in the present works has not been identified but certain details, such as the turrets with spires and finials, preponderance of chimneys, and mixture of neoclassical and baroque elements, suggests that the buildings were based on Western engravings depicting northern European (possibly Swedish or Danish) palaces, castles or country houses.

It is interesting to note the mixture of Western and Chinese motifs, such as the depiction of mountains similar to those found in classical Chinese paintings, the use of aerial perspective in the manner of Dutch landscapes, the incorporation of native shipping among the European vessels, and the use of bucolic imagery, such as the goatherd with his flock.

The scale and medium of these works strongly suggests a link with the workshops in Canton, which produced hand-painted wallpaper panels for export to the West. The subject matter of the present works is unusual however, for the majority of such works usually depicted birds among flowers or decorative Chinese figures in more orientalist settings.