A Chinese export 'Hongs of Canton' punchbowl, 18th Century, of rounded form and finely decorated en grisaille with a continuous scene of the bustling waterfront at Canton, depicting the European Hongs on the Pearl River, the different buildings identified by their flags, the busy courtyards with European and Chinese merchants at work and further figures in the sampans of the harbour, the interior with a central three-masted ship within a black and gilt diaper rim border, 36.5cm dia. (restored) Footnote: A similar example but decorated in polychrome can be found in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, acc.no.1973.167. See also Bonhams Export Arts of the China Trade, 18 March 2003, lot 136.