View of Canton in China, Johannes Vinckboons (attributed to), c. 1662 - c. 1663
oil on canvas, h 97cm × w 140cm More details
During the 17th century European enterprises were refused entry into Canton. It was only in the 18th century that Europeans were permitted to establish themselves along the Pearl River. Chinese middlemen sold tea, porcelain and silk to the Westerners, who lived in isolation in their warehouses on the quay and never set foot in Canton itself.
