A pair of signed Canton views: The nine-stage pagoda in Whampoa and The entrance to a temple by the water ( Pearl River ). Both paintings were executed c. in the middle of 19th century in the studio of famous Chinese painter Nam Cheong (active 1845-1870).

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 both works were 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.

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 inscribed in Cantonese.

Technique: each : oil on canvas, unframed.

Measurements: each: image w 8" x h 10 1/4" (20,5 x 26 cm).

Condition: in good condition, professional cleaned, the original thin canvases were relined.