A late 19^th century Chinese export silver mug, Canton circa 1880, retailed by Lee Ching

Qing dynasty. Of tapering cylindrical form with moulded rims, the handle formed as a Chinese dragon with saw cut and engraved frills and applied wrought work horn, two whiskers attached to rim. The body with chased decoration of a battle scene, a figure on horseback leading his troops and banner carriers into battle against Chiyou, the six armed god of war, riding upon a stag, his warriors carrying shaped demon faced shields, all against architecture, fir and willow trees. Double skinned interior. Marked underneath with retailer’s mark only LEECHING.

Height – 12.4 cm / 4.85 inches

Weight – 321 grams / 10.32 ozt

A shield of the type depicted on this mug is in the Sir Henry Wellcome collection at the Science Museum Group, (A639108).