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Lot Essay
'The flag of France – of the French people, of France in her emancipated state – the tricolor, is now flying in Canton, having been hoisted by Mr. Gernaert, the French consul, in front of the French factory, on the 13th instant, after an interval of about thirty years during which time, none having been displayed, the flag-staff had been removed.' (Canton Register).
A large panoramic view of the factories just over a decade after the fire of 1822. The view can be dated by the French (tricolour) flag flying, indicating this is most probably after the return of the French consul in December 1832, and the pagoda roof of Chung-qua's Hong, removed after May 1832, is now missing. The walled British factory garden is extended out over landfill and the end of the garden and square remain unfenced (as they would until the later 1830s, when the looming Opium War was threatening the foreigners' security).
A large panoramic view of the factories just over a decade after the fire of 1822. The view can be dated by the French (tricolour) flag flying, indicating this is most probably after the return of the French consul in December 1832, and the pagoda roof of Chung-qua's Hong, removed after May 1832, is now missing. The walled British factory garden is extended out over landfill and the end of the garden and square remain unfenced (as they would until the later 1830s, when the looming Opium War was threatening the foreigners' security).