China, Qing dynasty, Qianlong period, 18th century A near circular-shaped enamelled metal bottle with shaped contours. It is placed on three bracket feet; in the upper part, at the centre, slightly bulging, a cylindrical neck. Painted in multiple colours on a surface which had previously been painted white, it shows a seamlessly arranged scene: you can see wise men with their disciples in a natural setting with rocks and plants. On the lid and the outside of the neck there are stylised arabesque plant decorations. A similar tea caddy is in the Hermitage Museum ("Chinese Export Art in the Hermitage Museum, exhibition catalogue, Saint Petersburg 2003, n. 95). lxhxp 9,5 cm