Repro ID: A7187
Title: The great China race: the clipper ships Taeping and Ariel passing the Lizard.
Description: The 'Taeping' had set off from China with a cargo of tea on 30 May 1866 and arrived at London Docks on 6 September at 9.45pm. The 'Ariel' had departed on the same day and arrived at the East India Dock on 6 September at 10.15pm. The first ship home with the new tea crop would be able to command a far higher price for her cargo, so these beautiful ships, with their large area of sail and sleek lines, were built for speed. Tea represented one of the main consumer goods brought to Britain from the East.
Creator: Thomas Goldsworth Dutton 1819 - 1891 (artist & engraver): William Foster (publisher)
Date: 24 November 1866
Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London
