Giant Tole Tea Canister with Chinese Mandarins

A magnificent and rare example of a giant sized tolework Victorian Tea Canister. Dating from the late 19th century, the hexagonal vase shaped 'tolework' tin was specially created by a firm of 'Japanners' for a 'family' grocer's shop for dispensing tea to its customers. Gilded and decorated with an imaginary scene showing a Chinese mandarin and his family having tea. The canister is lead weighted at its base for stability. and the hexagonal lid a replacement from a later period. Standing 40 inches tall x 16 diameter. In good basic condition with minor wear and imperfections from long usage. Made by skilled tinplate artists in England circa 1860-1890.