4to (300 x 230mm.), comprising title in pen and ink and 28 watercolour views and scenes of varying sizes, mounted on card with captions in ink, a few related research items loosely inserted, contemporary morocco, decorated in gilt and relief, mounts chipped at edges, one detached, binding rubbed and rebacked, new endpapers

Phillpotts family, various inscriptions

the condition of this lot is as described in the catalogue description
"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."

A fine collection of watercolours of landscapes, city views, ruins, temples and other buildings in China, Japan and Formosa, including Canton, Amoy, Nankin, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Nagasaki, Yedo and Yokohama (full list available online or from the Book Department). James Butt, who painted these watercolours on a voyage from Plymouth, via Cape Town, to China and Japan, served as an officer in the Royal Navy from 1863 to 1873, mostly on H.M.S. Sylvia, reaching the rank of commander. Another album of views by him from this voyage is in the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. The album was presented to A.H. Phillpotts, a banker and director of HSBC.

The watercolours, each identified with a contemporary manuscript caption on the mount, are:

1. Cape Town from Table Bay
2. Botel Tobago off Formosa, China Sea
3. Sulphur Mines, Formosa
4. San-o bay, Formosa. E coast
5. Canton from the heights
6. Burning house for the bodies of priests. Honam temple
7. CantonTemple at Canton. Buddha, Past, Present, & Future
8. Pagoda anchorage. Foo-chow (tea district)
9. Amoy. China
10. Porcelain Tower at Nankin. Height 261 feet. Destroyed
11. Ancient tombs at Shanghai
12.Chinese Junks
13. Near Aberdeen. Hong-Kong
14. Kigatsu. Hirado. W. coast Japan
15. On the West Coast ofJapan
16. "Furuye' Japan West Coast
17. Taske harbour. Hirado W. coast
18. Priest's house. Hirado Japan W. coast
19. Entrance to Nagasaki
20. Nagasaki Japan
21. "Waka Miya" Temple at Nagasaki
22. Tycoon's Palace. Yedo. Inside the outer moat
23. Tombs of the Ronins. Yedo
24. Tycoon's Castle Osaka 1868
25. Simoda Japan south coast
26. At Yokohama
27. Japanese Junks
28. "Home at Last"