A Chinese oil on canvas portrait, early 19th century, possib...

Hammer

£2,500

A Chinese oil on canvas portrait, early 19th century, possibly Lamqua. The bearded Government Official wearing a hat and beaded necklace, the blue robe with rank badge, unframed, 82 x 64cm. West Cornwall private seller, by family descent. The vendor inherited items from her great grandfather Captain John Dewar (ship master). He was born in Shanghai in 1866 and died in 1950. His wife Susan Smith Oudney (1875-1967) whose father was William Oudney a master mariner owned two clipper ships including 'The Coach Inn'. John and Susan married in Shanghai in 1896. This wonderful painting still maintains the vibrancy and realism in which it was painted some two hundred years ago. Craquelure is evident and consistent throughout the body of the piece. Fold lines resulting in loss of paint are also clear to see. There are seven small holes towards the edges of the painting, though these have little effect on the overall scene. The edges of the canvas are heavily frayed and it may benefit to being backed before framing.