Lot 872
PAIR OF GUAN LIANCHANG (TINGQUA) SCHOOL EXPORT GOUACHE PAINTINGS Y
QING DYNASTY, CIRCA 1815
Auction: Japanese Works of Art
Description
watercolour and gouache on ivory, depicting the Hongs at Canton and the view of Whampoa from Danes Island, in contemporary frames (2)
Dimensions
8cm high, 12.5cm wide (excluding frame)
Footnote
Provenance:
Acquired by the vendor's great grandfather, Captain John William Robertson (1857-1920), recorded as a Commander in the British India Steam Navigation Company, on the SS Santhia and SS Itola.
Captain Robertson had a long career on the seas, travelling all over the world and even defending his country in World War I.
Note:
The paintings depict two of the most famous views of the China Trade, namely the Hongs at Canton, and the Anchorage at Whampoa from Danes Island. The first view shows the factories and various flags of the nations on the waterfront including Dutch, English, Swedish, American, Spanish and Danish. Tingqua's studio was prolific in producing both small scenes such as these, and larger oils on canvas for the China Trade. His shop was a popular destination in Canton. The Whampoa view is from Danes island, where ships were docked and the various companies had their warehouses and spent most of their time. The final journey up the Pearl River to Canton, modern day Guangzhou, was carried out by sampan due to the perilous currents and shifting sandbanks. This is where the 'Hongs' were, the trading offices, where the Supercargoes carried out their daily business.