Chinese Junks 1930

Philip Little made this etching of Chinese Junks sometime in the early 20th century. These traditional Chinese sailing vessels appear frequently in Western art of the period, embodying a mix of fascination and anxiety about China's growing global presence. Consider the time in which this was made. Western powers had been forcing trade concessions from China for decades, a practice deeply resented by the Chinese. These junks, then, represent not just picturesque scenery, but also a complex web of unequal power dynamics. Little’s choice of etching, a printmaking technique that allows for detailed linework and tonal variation, further emphasizes the contrast between the rough, utilitarian vessels and the delicate, artistic rendering. Understanding this work fully requires delving into the history of Sino-Western relations, the development of maritime trade, and the visual culture of Orientalism. It shows us how seemingly simple images can be loaded with social and political meaning.