Loum Kiqua

Loum Kiqua was a Chinese merchant who visited Lisabon in 1755 and London in 1756-1757. He is known from a portrait made by Dominic Serres. The inscription below portrait states:

Loum Kiqua - The Chineese, came to Lisbon in 1755, was there at the Time of the Earthquake, and providentially escap'd with Life; after many hardships & ill treatments from the Portuguese, he came over to England, in 1756, where he met with different usage, having had the Honour to be seen by his Majesty, and the rest of the Royal Family, most of the Nobility &c. by whom he was much caress'd, having made application to the Honble. the East India Company for his passage home, he was kindly receiv'd and generously accomodated on Board one of their Ships to carry him to Canton, his Native Country.