Lot 170: William Wood (British, 1769-1810) Oval, 80 mm. high, gilt-metal frame with glazed reverse revealing signature and inscriptions

William Wood (British, 1769-1810)
The Chinese Servant of John Hotson (1770-1828), a purser in the East India Company, in blue jacket and black cap
Signed on the backing card 'By Will: Wood' with number '5727' and further inscribed 'a chinese boy', and with provenance information
On ivory
Oval, 80 mm. high, gilt-metal frame with glazed reverse revealing signature and inscriptions

Based on the inscription on the backing card, Phillips, London, 10-13 April 1905, lot 686. The inscription reads 'Bought at H.E. Clifford's / April 1905 for 38\ - [shillings] in / cluding two others / a chinese Boy / Lot 686'. H.E. Clifford was the executor of the estate of Frederick Clifford, KC, whose collection and property contents were sold at auction between 1901 and 1905. The rarity of the Phillips 1905 catalouge makes this provenance difficult to confirm.
The Property of Mrs Ruth Muncer; Sotheby's, London, 16 July 1973, lot 73 (£2,300 to Bircham & Co.).