Howqua was the wealthiest and most successful member of the Co-Hong, the guild of Chinese merchants trading in Canton, with the West. By the 1830's he had developed a reputation of almost legendary proportions and was highly respected by compatriots and foreigners alike. At his retirement in 1834, his wealth was estimated at $26 million. He died in 1843 at the age of 74

Another version exists in the collection of The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. See Hong Kong Museum of Art, Gateways to China, 1987, no.55. For other versions see Craig Clunas, Chinese Export Watercolours, 1984, pp.54-57, ill. no.34