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#2
20 Shih Fuma St
Peking

May 24, 1916.

My dear Mr Freer,

I have obtained a painting by Li Chao-tao, date about 710, called "The K'un Ming Lake."  You will know that he and his father Li Ssù-hsün were the leaders of the northern school of painting in the T'ang and that he is usually known as "General Li, Junior".  It is a most striking scroll painting about 3 feet in length, is full of glowing colour, and depicts the palaces with nice yellow, blue and red tiles glittering in the sunlight on the lake shore, and the mountains in the near distance.  The blues are an amazing feast of colour.  The foliage is exquisite.  The whole 
  
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to leave the set at your residence pending your return.  

With kind remembrance,
Yours very sincerely,
E. Backhouse.
ansd.

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