Sketches in China: Paper-Hunt at Shanghai. [caption title]

London.: The Illustrated London News.. April 12,1873.. Full-page engraving 23.8 x 31.2 cm (plus caption) on a single newspaper leaf, sheet a little toned, marginal spotting, the image in very good condition. The Shanghai Paper Hunt Club was founded in December 1863. The Illustrated London News' "Special Artist", William Simpson in his commentary overleaf notes that "The 67th Regiment, who were stationed at Shanghai about ten years ago introduced it at this place. The character of the country here, as well as the breed of Tartar ponies, seem well suited to the sport." Membership of the Club remained the preserve of (male) expats until the late 1920s when it was opened to Chinese membership. As is suggested in the engraving, whilst the prey was paper (rather than foxes), the sport could still be brutal for both horse and rider. Simpson brings his skill and experience as a war artist to the observation of the hunt.

William Simpson (1823-1899) Scottish war artist and correspondent, joined the 'Illustrated London News' in the 1860s and covered the Abyssinian campaign (1868), Franco-Prussian war, Modoc war (1873) and Second Afghan war. He had previously covered the Crimean war on behalf of publishers and lithographers Colnaghi's.

From the Estate of the late collector and scholar Arthur Hacker. .