China, HONG KONG HARBOUR JUNK BOATS SHIPS OPIUM WARS 1842 Art Print Engraving
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:25455409 | Print Type: Engraving |
| Subject: Cityscapes | Medium: Engraving |
| Originality: Original | Date of Creation: 1800-1899 |
| Original/Reproduction: Original Print |
HONG-KONG Artist: C. Graham ____________ Engraver: A. H. Payne Note: the title in the table above is printed below the engravingCLICK HERE TO SEE MORE ANTIQUE VIEWS OF THE CHINESE EMPIRE LIKE THIS ONE!! AN ANTIQUE STEEL ENGRAVING MADE IN THE EARLY 1840s !! ITEM IS OVER 150 YEARS OLD! VERY OLD WORLD! INCREDIBLE DETAIL! FROM THE ORIGINAL DESCRIPTION: Hong-Kong is one of an archipelago of rocky islets, in the estuary of the Pearl or Canton river, long known to, but only visited by, Europe...ans within the last few years. It lies about thirty-five miles due east of Macao, and nearly ninety-five miles S.S.E. of Canton. The estuary in which this archipelago lies forms a delta, measuring nearly a hundred miles on each side. It is fed by numerous streams; and the name of Pearl River, given to the grand junction of those streams as it flows to Canton, is said to have been derived from an accident that occurred to a pearl-merchant several centuries ago, who had a large packet of ocean-pearls engulphed in its flood. Near the spot where the loss was incurred, a rock rises, on which a building has been erected, called the Haichoo-sze, or "Sea-pearl Temple." When the embouchure of this delta is passed, Hong-Kong lies to the right. The name of the island is derived from that of a small stream, Hoong-Keang, or "red torrent"-so named from the colour of the soil through which it flows, according to some. Others derive the name from Hiang-Kiang, "scented, " or "fragrant" stream; and it has been suggested, that the epithet was " the grateful memento of some thirsty mariners, who, ages ago, obtained here a seasonable supply in time of need." The length of the island is about nine miles, and the breadth varies from six to about eight. "It presents, " says a late visitant (the Rev. W. Milne), "a very uneven, and exceedingly barren surface, consisting chiefly of rugged and rocky ranges of hills, with narrow ravines"-the east and west extremities being divided from the centre by two of these chasms on each side-" through which streams of excellent and never-failing water flow." The mountains descend in steep declines to the north coast; and, in that direction, their bases nearly reach the sea. The southern coast is much less rugged and abrupt. In the valleys, as a rule, the climate is genial, but it is hot in summer; whilst in winter the cold is sometimes severe; and, as in England, sudden changes in temperature are not unfrequent. When the British, under Sir Henry Pottinger, in 1841, took possession of the island, there were several villages scattered over its surface. Chek-choo was the largest; the houses there were superior to those of most others on the island, and it had 800 inhabitants, who were employed in trading, farming, and curing fish. The other villages-except Tie-tarn, a mere fishing hamlet of fifty inhabitants-were agricultural. At that date, a tent was pitched for "the government-liouse, " on the north coast, on the site where the city of Victoria now stands-a site then covered with brushwood. Victoria is the "Capital of the colony, and the seat of the government. It extends nearly three miles from east to west, part of the central grounds being occupied by government, for military barracks and hospitals, commissariat buildings, the colonial church, officers' quarters, post-office, and harbour-master's depot, all which are overlooked by the government-house itself, higher up the hill. West and eagt of this central position., almost close to the sea-beach, stretch the private residences of foreigners, commercial houses, club-house, the exchange, two or three chapels, with public market-places. The Chinese colonists [and so many people have come over from the mainland, that the population, at the last census, exceeded 72, 000] occupy ground principally to the west of the central division, modelling their houses after the native fashion." The European bungalows " generally consist of three rooms, about forty feet long and fifteen feet high, all opening upon a verandah; some bedrooms, and a set of detached offices for the Chinese;" every European having his native "comprador, " who is his general agent. "The pleasantest of these bungalows are those which are situated the higliest up the bill, overlooking the harbour and the country beyond." The aboriginal inhabitants-about 4, 000 in number-were poor, but contented and industrious; and when the British first went there, the " innate gentleness and disinterested hospitality of the farmers and fishermen, " are said to have formed a striking contrast to the " insolence of office" experienced at Canton. Agriculture, fishing, and curing fish, were their employments; and Sir John Davies, who was there in 1841, says- "We had occasion, during our stay at the anchorage, to remark their singular mode of fishing. They created a horrible din by their gongs and shouting, and beat, in the most frantic manner, the surface of the calm waters, with oars and large sticks. By this process they appeared to bewilder and stun the fish, and to drive them into their nets in considerable numbers. We observed, at least, that great success attended their labours. Indeed, any person, who has verified, by experiment, the extraordinary power of conveying sound, exhibited by water, need not be surprised at the efficacy of this plan of frightening out of their wits the finny tribes, who would seem. possess the faculty of hearing in a very sensible degree." The fisherman's hut is seen in almost every sheltered nook; and before it stands a piece of machinery, consisting of a bench raised a few feet from the ground, with foot and back-board, to give the occupant complete control over his movements; on each side is an upright post, the two being connected by a windlass, with a wheel at each extremity. A net is suspended from the posts, which is let down by means of the wheels, and raised again, by the same machinery, when filled with the fish. . Hong-Kong exhibits many visible signs of improvement since its occupation by the English. A noble military road, sixteen yards broad, has been constructed, and continued entirely round the island. Branch roads to Tie-Tarn and Chuck-py-wan, traverse the hills, exhibiting, in their formation, the most scientific modes of civil- engineering practised in Europe. Cultivation has also improved; and, as already observed, the population has greatly augmented. This vast increase in the number of Chinese residents, is a proof that that people have no objection to British rule; and it is obvious, also, that great advantages must result from it, or so many persons would not voluntarily place themselves under British authority. Since its occupation, Hong-Kong has been constituted a crown colony; the governor has a general superintendence over the trade carried on at the ports to which foreigners are admitted, and is the bead of the consular establishments. Victoria has also been raised to the rank of a city; and the island and its dependencies made a bishop's see and diocese, under the name of the "Bishopric of Victoria." As acommercial entrepot, as a safe asylum for our shipping in the Oriental seas, as commanding the estuary of the Canton river, and as a military station, Hong-Kong possesses the utmost value. It has obtained most of the trade formerly carried on at Macao; but it never can become a port for the direct and immediate shipment of Chinese exports, the mountainous and inhospitable character of the coast between it and the productive provinces the empire, completely intercepting communication. The harbour, however (the subject of the accompanying view), is one of the noblest roadsteads in the East. Situated between the north-west extremity of the island and the mainland, it may be entered southward through Lamma Channel-westward by the Cap-sing-mun passage, and from the east by vessels sailing close under the peninsula of Koo-loon. From Hong-Kong the steamer proceeds to Shanghai, a five days' trip; and, no doubt, arrangements will be made for packets to run to the other ports opened by the treaty of 1858. Shanghai is a seaport, on the river Woo-sung, which falls into the Yellow Sea, some miles below the Yang-tse-kiang. Ascending the Woo-sung, passing the village of that name, and many hamlets and farmsteads that skirt the banks, suddenly you see Shanghai, on the right, or west coast. The name signifies "the upper sea, " and has been given, Mr. Milne supposes, "to distinguish it from another watery region, known as "the lower sea." The city, which is three centuries old, is irregular in form, and surrounded by a wall three miles and three-quarters in circumference, fifteen feet broad, and twenty feet high. The streets are narrow and dirty, and the public buildings inferior to those of Mmgpo. There is a mint, and numerous manufactories offlowered silk, glass, and paper, and many establishments for the carving and making articles in ivory, bone, gold, and silver. Before it was declared an open port, a large trade was carried on with the north of China and Central Asia; and whilst a new commerce has been opened with Europe, its ancient trade has increased. Since 1843, a European settlement, with factories, or hongs, has grown up without the walls of Shanghai, the buildings of which are regular and handsome, and have every Oriental luxurious adjunct. "Nothing can be more imposing than the first appearance of this settlement. A small quay, extending for upwards of a mile, fronting the river, is lined with the separate and handsome dwellings of the merchants, surrounded by brad verandahs and balconies, and generally inclosed within beautiful gardens. Immediately above the settlement, and higher up the river, is the old walled city. On the river side of the city, a forest of masts, appertaining to junks of all sizes and descriptions, and decorated with flags of every colour and device, extend as far as the eye can reach. The river itself is one scene of bustle and activity, being continually covered with boats and lighters, conveying merchandise to and fro." The great fault of the settlement is, that it is so confined. From the nature of the surrounding country, neither carriages nor horses can be used in it; and the quay or the race-course are the only places where the inhabitants can ride or drive. Billiards and bowling, in an American bowling-alley, are the favourite amusements. Our countrymen who reside at Shanghai are celebrated for their profuse hospitality. SIZE: Image size is 5 inches by 7 1/2 inches. Print size is 7 inches by 10 inches. CONDITION: Condition is excellent. Bright and clean. Blank on reverse. SHIPPING: Buyers to pay shipping/handling, domestic orders receives priority mail, international orders receive regular mail. We pack properly to protect your item! Please note: the terms used in our auctions for engraving, heliogravure, lithograph, print, plate, photogravure etc. are ALL prints on paper, NOT blocks of steel or wood. "ENGRAVINGS", the term commonly used for these paper prints, were the most common method in the 1700s and 1800s for illustrating old books, and these paper prints or "engravings" were inserted into the book with a tissue guard frontis, usually on much thicker quality rag stock paper, although many were also printed and issued as loose stand alone prints. So this auction is for an antique paper print(s), probably from an old book, of very high quality and usually on very thick rag stock paper. EXTREMELY RARE IN THIS EXCELLENT CONDITION!
00120
00120
