Provenance: Chingwah Lee (1901-1980), was a well-known Chinese antique dealer in San Francisco, and because of his eloquence and connections, he was commissioned to purchase props and sets for all films involving the East themes in Hollywood in the 1930s. He worked as a Chinese language instructor for the Ministry of Defence until the outbreak of World War II. When Lee died in 1980, his estate was auctioned by Sotheby's for over a million dollars, and almost every connoisseur went to the auction, with many of the finest pieces still in market today. Some pieces offered for sale in this sale are unique in that they were not very popular in the United States at that time, so auction house only offered them for pre-sale to a small number of antique dealers, which is how the current collector acquired them, forty years ago. For more information on and additional videos for this lot, please contact chinaartsinc@gmail.com Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. China Arts Auction assumes no responsibility for any error or omission. China Arts Auction assumes no responsibility for verification of any labels on the Lot which is come originally from consignors. Absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. We may include a brief note on condition within the catalog description. This does not constitute a complete condition report, China Arts Auction does not warrant any lot to be merchantable or to be suited for any purchase and they do not assume any risk, liability or responsibility for any persons as to authenticity, genuineness, culture, source, origin, attribution, period, purpose or measurements of any lot. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. China Arts Auction assumes no responsibility for any error or omission. Absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.