Is it a tiny tankard?

Nope! Getting some well needed Still Life practice with thanks to my friend Adrien.

This is in fact a rare Chinese Export Silver lidded mustard pot by Wang Hing, Canton, Shanghai and Hong Kong, circa 1895.

A wonderful single high relief applied dragon encircles the canister shaped body of the pot, embossed lotus flowers on the hinged lid topped by a miniature pagoda finial.

The pot retains its original thick Bristol blue glass liner - probably signifying it was originally made for the English market, the liner being made in Bristol glass works.

It was a fascinating day listening to my friend talk, with some passion, about his love of Chinese silver. I very much suggest you have a look at his Chinese Export Silver to find out more.