A rare Chinese export porcelain dome shoulder tea caddy hand-painted with the image of a ship flying an American flag and firing off one of its cannons. The ship is flanked by two gilded initials PH most likely for PATRICK HAYES (1770-1856) of Philadelphia. Hayes made at least four trips to China, the first time with John Barry – later becoming the Commodore’s adopted nephew – and  also became a Captain in his own right as well as becoming a very successful merchant. He was also a member of the Order of the Society of the Cincinnati. Hayes is recorded as having received two ciphered services from China in 1807 so this piece is almost certainly from that shipment. Illustrated in Schiffer’s China for America, page 162 and Mudge’s Chinese Export Porcelain for the American Trade, page 194. Measuring  5 1/4″ tall.  $5,800.00