Chinese junk flag

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). The shape is triangular with an indented edge. It is made of hand sewn, green, crepe-woven silk damask, with a cotton hoist. In the centre is a gold dragon and pearl motif, surrounded by clouds, lightning flashes are depicted in the border (the dragon has four toes). The flag is inscribed: 'The Lord of Suiyuan' and 'Spirit Banner'. The decoration was produced by applying gold leaf to clay bole with the details painted on the surface in black ink.

The inscriptions 'Sui Yuan Hou Shen Dao' (Banner of the Lord of Suiyuan) suggests that the flag was not an official item of the Qing imperial army but was rather had a ritual purpose. The Qing official records show that in 1797 the government conferred upon a deity worshipped in Hunan Province the title 'The Lord of Suiyuan'. This deity, together with two of his 'brothers', was believed to be efficacious in settling the rebellions initiated by the Miao people in Hunan Province. It was a common practice of the Chinese imperial governments to confer titles upon deities for their meritorious service to the state. The word 'Spirit Banner' (shendao) also hints that the banner was a religious item. [May Bo Ching].

Sir 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.

Original size: 1875 mm x 1737 mm