Dating to the late 1850s, the 14 1/2in x 5ft (37cm x 1.52m) view of Hong Kong and its harbour, signed "Yuequa Canton" for a port artist active in the years 1850-85 and in the original Chinese black and gilt lacquered frame, is a remarkably detailed and valuable document. It sold for $210,000 (£115,500).
The French flag flying third from left in the China Trade painting of the Hongs at Canton, dates it prior to 1803, when the French gave up the China trade for some 30 years. In a carved giltwood frame, a Chinese copy of a European model, this finely detailed view sold at $85,000 (£46,750) while a busy view of the Hongs at Canton was bid to $57,500 (£31,625). In this case, the French flag suggests that it was painted after 1832 when the French returned to Canton.
The view reproduced below right can be dated to the year 1856-59 as it shows the factories set up by the Western nations across the Pearl River at Honam when the Hongs at Canton were destroyed by fire. The traders stayed in these temporary headquarters until 1859, when a permanent move was made to the island of Shaiman. It sold for $47,500 (£26,125).
