Follower of Auguste Borget

(French, 1809-1877)

Interior of Ma Tso Kok Temple, Macau

Footnotes

Provenance
with Charlotte Horstmann & Gerald Godfrey Ltd, Hong Kong, from where purchased by the current owner January 1997
Private collection, Canada

The A-Ma (or Ma-Kok Miu) is the great temple of Macau, situated on the island's south-west peninsular. Dating to 1488, it is one of the oldest Taoist temples on the island, dedicated to Matsu, the goddess of seafarers and fishermen. The name of the island itself reputedly derives from the name of the temple; when Portuguese sailors first encountered the island, they landed near the temple and were told it was 'A-Ma-Gau' (Bay of goddess A-Ma).

This majestic view from the first courtyard shows the famous 'moon gate' window, through which can be seen the impressive Inner Harbour of Macau. Auguste Borget (French 1809-1877) was one of many travellers to record the famous temple, visiting it in the 1830s and describing it as 'the greatest marvel I have yet seen...viewed as an object of Chinese art, everything in the disposition of the edifice is admirable; its arrangement, its picturesque location situation amidst rocks and trees, as well as the numerous ornaments with which it is enriched.' (quoted in Robin Hutcheon, Souvenirs of Auguste Borget,1979, p.96)

George Chinnery (British 1774-1852) was another visitor to Macau, settling there in 1825 and remaining there until his death in 1852; he produced a number of drawings of the Temple.