Ink on paper, signed at lower right "Handforth," depicts a young Chinese girl seated in a chair, presented in a period hardwood carved frame.

10.5 in. diameter

Private Collection, HIllsborough, NC Accompanied by a hand-written letter from Josef Leitner identifying the portrait of "Mah Yue Gay, the first Chinese girl Helen Burton adopted."

Thomas Handforth was the recipient of the Caldecott award in 1939 for his illustrated book, MEI LI. The story was based on a young Chinese girl he befriended while living in Peking.

$200 - 400