Chinese Export Painting

Canton, circa 1790

Height 18.5” (47cm) Width 24” (60.5cm)

This vivid and beautifully executed painting depicts a group of labourers transporting barrels of porcelain to Canton, from where it was prepared for sale/export to European or American markets.

These ‘trade’ paintings executed by Chinese artists but utilising perspective techniques in line with Occidental taste offered curious Westerners an insight into the culture, trade and topography of Asia.  

£4800