Guangzhou Museum Acquires Qing-era Oil Painting of GZ

An important oil painting of Guangzhou dating from the late Qing dynasty has been acquired by the Guangzhou Museum. 59.3cm wide and 45.7cm tall, the painting is a portrait of the north bank of the busy Pearl River.

During the 18th and 19th century, the western part of Guangzhou city was a famous trading area known as Shi San Hang. Many portraits of Guangzhou - on paper, fabric and ceramics - sold abroad, centred on that prosperous part of the city. A harmonious drawing technique, a blend eastern and western styles, assured their market.

The museum's acquisition features Guangzhou's Sacred Heart Cathedral in the middle, with its two spires stretching into the blue sky. Guang Pagoda is to its left and the Liu Rong Pagoda to the right. A five-storey building (now the Guangzhou Museum) is to the right of the painting. Two red beacons stand in the middle of the river, together with a collection of busy vessels – testament to the city's flourishing trade.

(Translated by Carrot Chan and Proofread by David Kellaway.)

Source: Guangzhou Daily/ www.lifeofguangzhou.com

Editor: Carrot Chan