A portrait of the East Indiaman 'Thomas Coutts', in starboard broadside view. She is shown in a lively sea with some of her crew visible on deck. What appears to be the Chinese coastline is visible in the far distance and she is surrounded by a great deal of other shipping.

The 'Thomas Coutts' was built by Green of Blackwell in 1817 and was one of the most famous East Indiamen. In 1826-27 she made a record round voyage to Bombay and China and back in ten days under the year. The ship was one of two named after 'Thomas Coutts' who had interests in a number of East India Company vessels engaged in lucrative trade in the Far East. When the Honourable East India Company sold its fleet, 'Thomas Coutts' was one of the ships purchased by Joseph Somes. The painting is signed and dated ‘J.M. Huggins Junr 1836’, the artist (1807-70) being the elder of two painter sons of William John Huggins, both pupils of their father.

The painting is signed and dated ‘J.M.Huggins Junr 1836’.