twist form handles flanking central decoration featuring figures from the painting Surrender of Lord Cornwallis by John Trumbull (American, 1756-1843), the lid with berry form finial, 4-5/8 x 5-3/4 x 3-3/4 in.

Provenance: The Collection of John Suval, Fredericksburg, Virginia

Note: A possible production date of circa 1875 has been proposed on similar objects. This piece is likely part of a group housed in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms of the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., each featuring enamel decoration inspired by the work of John Trumbull.

Originally believed to date to the American Centennial in 1876, recent research has determined that these pieces actually date to the American Sesquicentennial in 1926. Scientific analysis of the overglaze enamels revealed materials not used in China until the 20th century.

For further reading, see Ronald Fuchs II and Jennifer L . Mass, "Deciphering The Declaration of Independence on Chinese Export Porcelain," in the Ceramics Journal 15, 2009.