A pair of Chinese seascapes depict: 1. junks on the Pearl river, a pagoda in the background; 2. Junks before Pearl Island (Hai Chu).

Nam Cheong is one of the few identified Chinese business artists for Europe. In the middle of the 19th century, this artist probably had a studio in Whampoa, Hong Kong and rarely signed his works. This 2 paintings can be attributed to him or to a member of his workshop. It is executed on the typical thin canvas and in nearly original condition and without extensive crackle. Indeed, many of his paintings depict the Whampoa pagoda and its region. Prices for his paintings on the international art market reach 8,000 euros. Between genre scenes and marine, these four paintings with picturesque scenery thus work as a cycle in which Namcheong pays tribute to these workers. Painstakingly painted, the small format of these works favors a certain intimacy, and the golden paint encircling their oval format add preciousness and ornament to these paintings. Literature: " Ship portrait artists", Karsten Buchholz, Hamburg, 1997 ( in English); in online under title Nam Cheong: www.marcmaison.com; www.fineartemporium.com ; www.http://www.blueworldwebmuseum.org; date base artprice.com and artnet.com.

Inscription: both unsigned, on reverse of stretchers - old labels of frame master F.C. Lankesheer, Colchester, England.

Technique: each : oil on canvas.

Measurements: each: image w 12 " x h 9 " (30,5 x 23 cm).

Condition: in good condition, professional cleaned .