2-979-115 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Street within the City Walls, Canton - from a drawing by a Chinese artist, 1857. On the right '...is the sedan, which is a general conveyance used by persons of quality in China. Of the physiognomy of the street the following is a picture: "The shops, being principally open in front, and the whole of the merchandise being thus exposed to view, present a most showy, alluring appearance to the spectator. The interior of these shops are neatly fitted up, and the goods tastefully disposed for inspection; whilst the intermixture of various-coloured paper inscriptions hanging on the walls, and variegated lanterns pendent from the roof, have an extraordinary and pleasing effect. The inscriptions and notices are generally to the following effect: 'Much talk injures business.' 'Having once been cheated, we are made cautious'...'No credit can here be given'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.