A fine grouping of Chinese export porcelain teawares made for the American market, each bearing a hand-painted image of a ship under sail bearing a blue ground flag decorated with gilded stars. This flag, first authorized for use in 1777,  was called a ‘Jack Flag’ and was flown to indicate to other ships that a diplomat was onboard. This flag was actually used by United States vessels until the early 20th century; the three pieces here a great bit of early American maritime history. The strap-handled drum teapot with leechee nut knop measuring 6 1/2″ tall x 9 1/2″ wide and with restoration to the spout at the base, otherwise good condition with a fine ship image ($1,550.00).  The tea bowl measuring 3 1/2″ in diameter and with a line to the rim, the saucer measuring 5 1/2″ in diameter with a small rim line sealed  and the sparrow-beak milk jug measuring 4 5/8″ tall and in good condition . Illustrated and discussed in Chinese Export Porcelain in the Reeves Collection at Washington and Lee University, page 212. Circa 1800.