2-979-624 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The War in China - Chinese Modern First-Class Junk of War, 1857. Second Opium War. '...the junks of the first class carry guns between decks, like our frigates, and of a calibre that has astonished the officers of H.M. ships now in their waters, many of the guns taken being larger in bore and weight of metal than any we manufacture in this country. Great improvements have also taken place in the material of their sails, and in the general handling of their vessels. But one great peculiarity in the regular legitimate Chinese junk, outliving all other improvements and advances, is the large eye in the headboards of the vessel, without which the Chinese firmly believe that no vessel can see how to sail'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.