LAI FONG (active 1880-1910) THE CLIPPER EASTERN MONARCH

Oil on canvas

The painting is in very good overall condition with the exception of some small areas of re-touching to the sky and small spots of the sea, including: a 4 x 3cm., area to the top left corner, a 3 x 2cm., area to the middle of the top edge; a 4 x 4cm., Y-shaped section above the top left flag, a 2 x 2cm., area above the middle flag, a 2 x 7cm., arwea to the top right corner, and several small dots to the sea. There is an overall light crackle to the surface most noticeable in the darker area of the sea.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The large iron clipper 'Eastern Monarch' was one of the four sister ships built by Mounsey & Foster at Sunderland. Launched in March 1874 and built for the Royal Exchange Shipping Company for their emigrant as well as normal passenger traffic to colonies such as Australia and New Zealand, the Eastern Monarch was a profitable passenger business throughout the 1870s and 1880s. By 1888 she was sailing both Australian and trans-Pacific routes, and her last completed passage was 75 days from Talcahuano (Chile) to Swansea in 1896. During the course of her next voyage, she was abandoned at sea and never salvaged.