Chinese Canton school: 'Whampoa Pagoda' and 'Trading Junk South China', gouache on panel, 19th C.

Dim.: 19,5 x 15,5 cm (each work)

The Pazhou Pagoda, also known as the Whampoa Pagoda or Pa Chow Pogoda, is an early modern Chinese pagoda on Pazhou Island in Haizhu District, Guangzhou, the capital of China's Guangdong Province. The Whampoa Pagoda initiated work in 1597 and it was completely built in 1600. The pagoda is situated on a knoll at the south bank of Pearl River. Although it was built as a Buddhist landmark, it was also a useful navigation point for merchant ships traveling to Guangzhou.

It is an octagonal tower with 9 main sections and 17 sub sections. The tower stands at about 59 metres (194 ft), and has a diameter at the base of 12.7 metres (42 ft). It covers a total area of 111 square metres. (source: Wikipedia)