Thomas Allom (1804-1872) was an English artist, topographical illustrator and architect, and one of the founder members of what eventually became the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). Allom is chiefly known for his numerous topographical works, which were used to illustrate books on travel. He is also remembered for his numerous illustrations of China, published in China Illustrated in 1845. In this image, Allom describes the anchorage at Amoy – one of the five ‘Treaty Ports’ opened to trade with West. Large and small Chinese Junks are shown at anchor in the foreground.