"Mandarin He Sing of the Chinese Junk". Signature with period caption.
New York: Ca. 1847. Signature of crew member of the 'Keying', the first ship from China ever to dock in New York City, identified as "the Mandarin: He Sing (Xi Sheng)". The ship moored off the Battery in Manhattan in July 1847, much to the anger of the crew which had signed on for a voyage to Singapore and Batavia only. However, the ship was a smashing success with 4,000 visitors paying 25 cents each to board the vessel and gaze at the crew and ship. P.T. Barnum got in on the action by exhibiting a replica and claiming some of the crew were the original Chinese. 'Keying' sailed on to Boston and London, and was noted in the press as the first junk to round the Cape of Good Hope or to have sailed in British waters. He Sing was still on board: "The ROYAL CHINESE JUNK "KEYING" manned by a Chinese Crew. Visitors received by a Mandarin of rank and Chinese Artist of celebrity. (The Illustrated London News, 29 July 1848). He Sing's signature in black ink on blue card, with period pen inscription on white paper below, "Mandarin He Sing of the Chinese Junk". [with] Clipping from the Illustrated London News, showing a "Chinese Banner" with an invitation to readers to assist in its translation, an early version of crowd sourcing. Signature 3 3/4" x 2 1/2"; the clipping 3 1/4 x 3 1/2". Laid down on blue album paper at some stage excised from a period scrap album, small perforation at right side perhaps when something was removed from verso. Very good condition. Item #24931
Price: $450.00