A unique and highly original portfolio of
Fine Art Lithographs by Pat Elliott Shircore
created from the original documents
marking the beginning and end of Hong Kong's colonial history
Main Page | The Pictures | Picture Details | Exhibitions | Enquiries | Links | Sources | Guest Book The signing of the Treaty of Nanking, or Nanjing as it is now called, took place on board the H.M.S. Cornwallis, with Sir Henry Pottinger as Plenipotentiary for Queen Victoria's government and Marquis Ch'i-Ying as senior Plenipotentiary, along with Emissaries Yilipu and Niu Kien for the Ch'ing Emperor Taou Kwang. The personal chop of His Excellency the Emperor Taou Kwang. It measures about four inches square, much larger than other Chinese chops. All chops and seals were designed in much the same way as bank notes now are, with very intricate details in order to make forgery virtually impossible. Ch'i-Ying (centre), during his first visit to Hong Kong. The Marquis was closely related to the Emperor and also a personal friend. The Manchu Ch'ing emperors were renowned for their distrust of anyone outside the Manchu inner circle but Ch'i-Ying - or Keying, as he appears on the original document - was a statesman highly respected by his countrymen and foreigners alike. Known for his good-humour and dignity, his signature (above, right character) reflects his cultured and stylish personality. Sir Henry Pottinger (above), a brisk and uncompromising Irishman, was chosen to negotiate the Treaty as a replacement for Charles Elliott, whose regard for the Chinese was seen as a disadvantage. The British felt that a strong hand was needed and this Pottinger provided, along with his years of experience with the East India Company and the Political Service. His signature, below, is remarkable for its forthright thrust, very different from the usual copperplate style. (go to next page - the Tsungli Yamen) 
| Signed and Sealed |