19th-Century Oil on Canvas, A China Clipper of the British Merchant Fleet, by Lai Fong of Calcutta (Chinese; fl. 1870–1910)

A 19th-century oil on canvas depicting a Chinese clipper of the British merchant fleet before waterfront merchant houses – or Hongs – presented in an antique ebonised and parcel-gilt frame. Signed to the reverse and bearing wax seals.

Lai Fong was active between 1870 and 1910, and emigrated from Hong Kong to Calcutta where he became a leading pier-head painter, commissioned to paint accurate, fast portraits of ships for captains and owners.