Sampans Collection

Rowing boats, sampans at Weihaiwei, Weihai, China
Vintage c.1920s photograph: rowing boats, sampans at Weihaiwei, Weihai, China

The late Engagement with Chinese Junks in Fatsham Creek (engraving)
1609041 The late Engagement with Chinese Junks in Fatsham Creek (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: The late Engagement with Chinese Junks in Fatsham Creek)

Sketches in China and Japan (engraving)
1621062 Sketches in China and Japan (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Sketches in China and Japan)

Vue de la Ville Chinoise (Cholen) Feuille No. 6, Saigon, Cochinchine, 1866

Boats on the Pearl River, Canton, China, 1898. Creator: Christian Wilhelm Allers
Boats on the Pearl River, Canton, China, 1898. Flower-boats and warehouses in the busy port city. Blumenboote, Am Flussufer in Canton, Pfandthurm

Wat Chaeng, Bangkok, Siam, 1898. Creator: Christian Wilhelm Allers
Wat Chaeng, Bangkok, Siam, 1898. View of the Buddhist temple, also known as Wat Chaeng, on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) dates back to the 17th century

People on Sampan boats on canals on Con Lan (Unicorn) Island, near My Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Harbour - Singapore, Malaysia. Date: circa 1920s

Riverside Scene - Pegirian River, Surabaya, Java, Indonesia
Riverside Scene - The Pegirian River, Surabaya, Java, Indonesia Date: circa 1908

Picture No. 11808379
People on Sampan boats on canals on Con Lan (Unicorn) Island, near My Tho, Mekong Delta, Vietnam Paul Brown Date:

1797-1858 1834 1842 Ando Hiroshige Ohta River
Seba, Andō, Hiroshige, 1797-1858, artist, [between 1834 and 1842, printed later], 1 print : woodcut, color. Print shows two men poling sampans on the Ohta River beneath a full moon

China - Shanghai - Sampan Boats on the waterfront Date: circa 1950s

China - Shanghai - Sea Shore with Quayside / Harbour Date: circa 1907

Shanghai, China - Japanese Consulate and N. Y. K. Company
Shanghai, China - Japanese Consulate and N.Y.K. (Nippon Yusen Kaisha Lin) Shipping Company - Hunagpu River Waterfront. Date: circa 1910s

Shanghai, China - The Bund - View from Huangpu River
The Bund - a waterfront area in central Shanghai focused on a section of Zhongshan Road within the former Shanghai International Settlement, along the western bank of the Huangpu River

Shanghai, China - The Bund foreshore
The Bund - a waterfront area in central Shanghai focused on a section of Zhongshan Road within the former Shanghai International Settlement, along the western bank of the Huangpu River

Sampans in the Huangpu River - Shanghai, China
Wooden Sampan boats in the Huangpu River - Shanghai, China Date: 1928

Twante Canal - Rangoon

Sampans at Saigon
Annamese boats in the harbour of Saigon

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Sampans: A Glimpse into the Rich Maritime Culture of Asia From the bustling streets of Hong Kong to the serene rivers of China, they have long been an integral part of Asian maritime culture. These traditional rowing boats have stood witness to countless historical events and continue to charm locals and tourists alike. In a vibrant lithograph capturing the aftermath of a typhoon in Hong Kong, sampans bravely navigate through turbulent waters. Their sturdy build and skilled rowers exemplify resilience in the face of adversity. Further east in Weihaiwei, China, another scene unfolds as sampans gracefully glide along calm waters. The tranquility surrounding these rowing boats offers a stark contrast to their counterparts battling storms, and is a testament to their versatility and adaptability. An enchanting black-and-white photograph transports us back in time to witness yet another typhoon wreaking havoc on Hong Kong's shores. Sampans dotting the water serve as reminders that even amidst chaos, life goes on with unwavering determination. The engagement between Chinese junks and foreign vessels depicted in an intricate engraving showcases not only the beauty but also the strategic importance during times of conflict. These nimble boats played crucial roles in naval battles throughout history. Travel sketches from China and Japan immortalize scenes where sampans take center stage - be it navigating picturesque rivers or adorning bustling cityscapes, and are symbols deeply intertwined with daily life, serving as both transportation vessels and sources of livelihood for many communities. Venturing southward towards Saigon, Cochinchine (now Vietnam), we catch glimpses into its rich maritime heritage through detailed illustrations showcasing sampans against stunning landscapes. These images capture moments frozen in time - snapshots that transport us across continents and centuries. Christian Wilhelm Allers' captivating artwork takes us further on our journey through Southeast Asia.