The flask is moulded and coloured as a cowrie shell.
Decorated with green and white dotted bands, it has a gilt-metal stopper, mounts and chain.
Originally thought to be Japanese, this has now been discounted and nothing is known about the origin, or date, of this rather charming piece.
Scent flasks, in many different forms, were made by European porcelain manufactories from the 18th Century.
