Lot 1: Yeu-Qua Portrait Miniature of Kate Freeman Clark

Yeu-Qua or Yeuqua (Chinese, fl. 1860-1885) miniature watercolor portrait of young Kate Freeman Clark (Mississippi/New York, 1875-1957), in original studio paper and silk frame and case with Yeu-Qua label, Hong Kong. Miss Clark, depicted at about 6 years of age, is posed standing next to a short column with green plant, and is dressed in a white lace dress with blue sash and matching headband. Original label is pasted to silk covered case and includes cleaning instructions along with the painter's studio address. A faint pencil inscription notes this painting was copied from a "photo" of the little girl. Portrait – 5" H x 3 1/4 " W. Case – 7" H x 5 3/4" W. Circa 1880. Note: Kate Freeman Clark was from a prominent Mississippi family. She grew up to become a painter who studied with William Merritt Chase, and eventually turned her home into a museum that still bears her name in Holly Springs, MS. CONDITION: The painting itself is in excellent condition, with some paper containing Chinese text adhered en verso. The paper "frame" has some grime and edge chipping and has come detached from the actual painting. Case with some grime and moderate wear, fraying at spine.