A painting of rich contrasts, this scene of yesteryear was made to appear as it is happening this very moment. David Thimgan’s early mastery is on exhibit here, with a subtle emotional context combined with his technically driven precision. The British Tea Clipper TAITSING sits in Foochow Harbor, awaiting interaction with the local Chinese ships transporting cargo to and from the ship. The water is calm, fluid and holds flashes blue depth, while the coastal ridges of rock and foliage rise above TAITSING’s triple masts.

Built in 1863 by Charles Connell & Co. out of Glasgow, the composite clipper TAITSING launched in an era where Britain reclaimed her tea trade with China from American ships. Running alongside other great British tea clippers, such as TAEPING and TITANIA, every season would see their open sea races to be first home. Epic battles throughout the 1860s and ‘70s saw from 3 to 16 ships compete to be the first home with the Chinese tea, fetching the top price, winning side bets and owning the bragging rights until the next season.

This painting is an excellent example from what the artist’s emerging forté of realism blended with his unique ability to make the water, sky and land work in perfect harmony. A regal setting for the grand sailing ships of our shared nautical past.