A great example of Chinese export porcelain made for the American Market, this dome-shouldered tea canister is delicately hand-painted on one side with an image of an early version of The Great Seal of the United States with a spread eagle bearing an E Pluribus Unum banner in its beak beneath a radiating halo of gilded stars. Part of a special-order tea service ordered in the early years of our Republic as a sign of patriotism and pride. The reverse side with an oval  inscribed with the original owners’ gilded monogram. 5 1/2″ x 3 1/4″.  Very good condition. Circa 1800.