L0139

Chinese junk flag Long Caption: An Imperial Chinese junk flag captured during the First China War 1839-42. It is part of a collection belonging to Sir Robert Oliver (1783-1848), Superintendent of the Indian Navy. The hand sewn flag is made of silk with a cotton hoist. It is a triangular shape with an indented edge, coloured yellow with a blue hoist and red border. In the centre is a silver dragon and pearl motif, surrounded by clouds with lightning flashes in the border. The dragon has four toes. There are a few pink stains on the surface. The flag has been mounted on a board for display. Robert Oliver became Superintendent of the Indian Navy in 1837, a post he would hold until his death on 5 August 1848. The Indian Navy was the naval arm of the Honourable East India Company. It provided steamers that played a crucial role in naval operations during the First China War as were able to penetrate the interior of the country along its rivers. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: AAA0523 Date: circa 1842 Medium: silk; cotton Size: 1312 mm x 695 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.