Ngwe Gaing (Burmese, 1901-1967) Portrait of a young lady in green longyi signed in Burmese (lower right) watercolour with traces of pencil 45.1 x 33.3cm (17 3/4 x 13 1/8in). Footnotes: Provenance The Craig Shelton Collection. Craig Shelton (1944- 2001) was a British diplomat, traveller and collector. He joined the Foreign Office immediately after graduating from Oxford University. His linguistic skills ensured a series of postings in the Middle East and Asia. In 1991, Shelton took up the position of First Secretary to the British Embassy in Yangon. He was delighted with the move as it had been a lifelong dream to visit Burma. Shelton made sure he used every opportunity to explore the outlying areas of the city and villages beyond. His genuine curiosity and communications skills helped him connect with the local people and build friendships that lasted long after his posting. Shelton's interest in Burmese paintings initially stemmed from a lack of available books about local culture. He started collecting paintings as an alternative, to nurture his genuine interest in the ethnic peoples of different countries and their history. His interest and pleasure in collecting art deepened the longer he remained in Burma, which resulted in a sizeable art collection. The selection of works from the Craig Shelton Collection being offered in this sale provide a snapshot of Burmese art history, ranging from early modern masters to more contemporary talent, some names well known, others less familiar, but all displaying pride and passion for portraying their homeland and its culture in their individual styles. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing