'Burning house for the bodies of Priests, Honam Temple, Canton' (Guangzhou, China) RMG PT2082

'Burning house for the bodies of Priests, Honam Temple, Canton' [Guangzhou, China]
No. 32 of 51 (PAJ2051 - PAJ2101): inscribed by the artist on the album page, as title, with the date '1/69'. This is a drawing of a small Buddhist funerary building in the gardens of the Honam temple at Canton. Smoke staining from its use is evident above the door, which is flanked by two tablets bearing Chinese inscriptions. The drawing is also a subtle study of sunlight and shadow effects through trees largely out of sight to the left, and it was probably the contemplative peace of the subject that attracted Butt to this comparatively minor detail within the large and complex temple site (about seven acres: see also PAJ2081).

Burning house for the bodies of Priest's Honam Temple, Canton