Historical Basis
As with Clavell's other novels, the setting and many characters are based on actual events, which set the stage for the novel.
Struan's "Noble House" trading company of the novel is based on Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited, a major Scottish trading company that operates out of Hong Kong.
- Dirk Struan is loosely based on William Jardine.
- Robb Struan is loosely based on James Matheson.
- The artist character Aristotle Quance may be loosely based upon George Chinnery, as he painted a portrait of William Jardine.
- Jin-Qua is loosely based on Howqua.
The firm Cooper-Tillman is loosely based on Russell & Co.
The Brock family is loosely based on the Dent family and the firm Dent & Co.
Shevaun Tillman is loosely based on Harriette Low.
Gordon Chen is loosely based on Sir Robert Ho Tung.
Read more about this topic: Tai-Pan (novel)
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