Artwork
Two junks and a Tanka boat
Two junks and a Tanka boat is a drawing by the Romanticist artist George Chinnery. It dates from 19 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This is a drawing from 1825 showing two Chinese trading ships called junks anchored in calm water. A smaller Tanka boat is tied up beside one junk. It’s a quiet scene—no big waves or storms here.
George Chinnery spent years in China and India sketching scenes like this. His drawings often show everyday life along the coast and rivers.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
Two junks and a Tanka boat is a drawing created in 1825 by George Chinnery, depicting a serene maritime scene.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing shows two Chinese junks at anchor in calm waters, with a smaller Tanka boat moored alongside one of them, capturing a tranquil moment in everyday coastal life.
Technique & Style
Chinnery's work is characterized by its observational detail, reflecting his years spent sketching in China and India, where he documented coastal and riverine scenes.
History & Provenance
The drawing is an example of Chinnery's oeuvre, which includes numerous sketches of life in China during his time there.
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.
A junk with smaller craft alongside
A junk hauling planks aboard
A junk with a small boat alongside
A junk grounded in shallow water, Macau
A junk under sail
A junk with smaller craft
Two small junks at anchor, Macau
Chinese junk
A drawing by George Chinnery of aA Chinese junk, with figures aboard and small craft alongside
A drawing by George Chinnery of a Tanka boat with a large sail or net raised