The Shih-Mun or Rock Gates (Province of Kiang-Nan)

During the 19th century, with the flood of Chinese goods into the Western market, the world became intrigued by Chinese culture and décor. People’s curiosities toward the mysterious East had deep roots, stretching back to Marco Polo’s stories, and even to Roman times. This only intensified with increased access. Thomas Allom was one of the earliest people to visualize the newly opened interior of China to eager Western audiences. Although he published three different illustrated books on China, it seems he may not have actually visited China in person. Many of his images are based on the drawings of other artists, such as William Alexander (1767-1816), who in turn invented many of his own images. This print depicts trading ships moving along the Yangzi River into the Chinese interior, as set against the picturesque landscape of the famous Twin Rock Gate in Jinyun County, Zhejiang Province.