Artwork
Chinqua's house, with entrance to China Street, Canton
Chinqua's house, with entrance to China Street, Canton is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 13 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This drawing shows a busy trading spot in 1828 Canton. It’s a view east of the old European and American warehouses along the Pearl River.
European traders worked out of the buildings called “factories.” A local merchant’s house with a pavilion sits in the center. Old China Street runs beside it.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more.
Overview
This 1828 drawing depicts a bustling commercial area on the north bank of the Pearl River in Canton (now Guangzhou), focusing on the European and American trading 'factories' (warehouses) and adjacent local merchant establishments.
Subject & Meaning
The scene highlights the intersection of Eastern and Western trade, with the central pavilion-topped building identified as Chinqua's house (occupied by Liu Tung, aka Chung Qua), and the nearby entrance to China Street, a hub for Westerners sourcing export goods.
Technique & Style
While specific artistic techniques are not detailed in the provided facts, the drawing's emphasis on architectural detail and compositional balance suggests a realistic, documentary approach, common in 19th-century depictions of foreign locales.
History & Provenance
Created in 1828, the drawing is part of a set (see also E.1761-1928 and E.1762-1928), indicating a series of recordings of the Canton trading scene during this period. Current location and full provenance details are not provided.
Context
The drawing reflects the late Qing dynasty's restricted European trade policies, where foreigners were largely confined to these 'factory' areas in Canton. It captures a pivotal moment in Sino-Western commercial relations.
Legacy
As part of a documented series, this drawing contributes to historical and architectural records of 19th-century Canton's trading infrastructure, available for study at institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Chinnery (Chinese: 錢納利; 5 January 1774 – 30 May 1852) was an English painter who spent most of his life in Asia, especially India and southern China.
