Chinese School, Late 18th Century

Martyn Gregory, London

Overall good restored condition; upper right quadrant with large restoration to top edge continuing down into the sky the center of the painting with inpainting to some houses near center line of lower left quadrant; some inpainting to the bottom edge and to some small parts in the sky; the buildings and the boats in good condition; the giltwood frame with some small chips to gilding.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The reverse of the frame bearing a Marty Gregory Label inscribed 'View of the Huang Zhu River'.

The present view of the hongs of Canton can be dated to the 1780s during the period of time when the Austrian Empire had a post in Canton from 1779 until 1787.  The Imperial flag with its double-headed eagle can bee seen between the French Royal white flag to the left and the Swedish Flag to the right.  To the right of the Swedish flag are the British and Dutch flags.  To the far left of the painting is the Danish flag.

It is interesting to note the westernized architecture of some of the factories, particularly the double portico and pediment to the front of the East India Company and the grand Palladian façade to Danish and Imperial factories.  It is interesting to note that the French by this period could no longer afford their original premises next to the Swedish factory, and were forced to move farther down the quayside being supplanted by the Austrians.

For a full discussion of Chinese paintings of Canton see:

Patrick Conner, The Hongs of Canton, Western merchants in south China 1700-1900 as see in Chinese Export Paintings, London, 2009