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 flag is made of green silk damask woven in a cloud pattern, is hand sewn and has a linen hoist. The shape of the flag is triangular and it may originally have had a serrated border now lost. In the centre is a silver and gold dragon and pearl motif surrounded by clouds made of silver and gold foil stuck to the flag -the dragon has four toes. Auspicious motifs surround the dragon including the Ruyi sceptre and the music stone of qing. The design of the flags was supposed to bring the ship good luck.

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.