signed in Chinese and dated 91

Important Private Asian Collection

Fang Di., Wu Guanzhong's Personal Selection of Paintings, The Oriental Press and A & U Publication (HK) Ltd, Beijing & Hong Kong, 1992, plate 1 - 62, p. 81, illustrated in colour
Shui Tianzhong & Wang Hua, ed., The Complete Works of Wu Guanzhong Vol. III, Hunan Fine Arts Publishing House, Changsha, 2007, p. 318 - 319, illustrated in colour

The work is overall in very good condition. There is no evidence of restoration under UV light.
"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."

In Lijiang Town at the Foot of the Yulong Mountains, with a bird's eye view perspective, a panoramic view of the old city creates an immense space to stimulate the viewer's perception of reality. The vertical composition of the townscape is extended horizontally. The old town is hidden in the foothills, while Wu Guanzhong deliberately puts an emphasis on the pink sky to paint cloudy and misty mountains, lending an air of mystery to the background of the work. Furthermore, unlike western artists who paint things small on canvas when they are in distance, Wu applies multiple perspective, a technique often seen in traditional Chinese ink paintings, to depict the snow-capped mountains floating on the sea of clouds.