AMONG the earliest pieces produced by Josiah Wedgwood in his “black porcelaine” were seals, intaglios, gems and cameos copied from originals, the sort of thing found on display in cabinets.

A chipped teapot sold at auction yesterday for £80,000 - 40 times the estimate. The 250-year-old Wedgwood teapot bears a protest message against the Stamp Act that led to the Boston Tea Party.

Practical concessions were made as well: the china features a black accent rather than metallic so that it is dishwasher- and microwave-safe and pieces will mix and match with classic Wedgwood.

PARIS, Oct. 9.--The Figaro states that the agreement entered into by France with the Black Flags in Tonquin grants the latter their arrears of pay and the free possession of the territory between ...