Late 19th century, porcelain plaque hand painted in polychrome enamels with a seaside hong having a flag similar to the Netherlands flag, Chinese calligraphy to upper center of the plaque, unglazed to underside.

15 1/4 x 10 1/4 in.

From a Private Collection, Washington, D.C.

Hongs arose during the 18th and 19th century in Guangzhou (formerly known as Canton) and housed international trade houses for merchants who served as intermediaries between the West and China. On this plaque you see a steamship docked at the port, steamships started to appear in China in the mid-19th century.

Good estate condition; some scratches and loss to porcelain; some discoloration and dirt to surface; a metal hanger attached to the reverse side.