Chinese School, 19th Century Portrait of High Imperial Commissioner Kiying/Qiying/Ch'i-ying

Description:

Chinese School, 19th Century

Portrait of High Imperial Commissioner Kiying/Qiying/Ch'i-ying
Unsigned.
Watercolor and gouache on paper, 23 x 17 1/2 in., in original carved and gilded frame.
Condition: Toning, a few small spots of retouch near u.r. corner.

Note: Label verso reads "A portrait of H.E. Kiying High Imperial Commissioner and negotiator of the first treaty between China and the United States known as the 'Treaty of Shanghai' July 3, 1844" and "Painted for Daniel N. Spooner at Canton 1845 and thus an excellent likeness of Kiying."

Daniel Nicholson Spooner worked in the American trading house Russell and Co., Canton, China, from about 1838/9 until 1845. The firm was the largest American trading house of the mid-19th century in China, initially trading and then involved in the shipping trade. By 1865, he was treasurer of the Great Falls Manufacturing Company, a textile mill in Somersworth, New Hampshire.
Daniel N. Spooner and Elizabeth E. Spooner; by descent within the family
Estimate $15,000-20,000

The painting has been examined out of frame. The painting has not been laid down or glued to anything, from what we can tell, this may have been the first time it was opened. The painting has several squares of what appears to be heavy paper behind it. When one square was removed, the back of the painting itself was visible, confirming that it has not been backed or glued to anything.


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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