Can someone help identify this pewter?? container??

[JeanneCurt]

I bought this  but don't know what it is or how old it is.  It is heavy for it's size weighing a little over 10 ounces so I think it is pewter.  It is 4" high and has Oriental designs on the outside.  There is a stopper type thing that goes on and then the other cover.  Thanks for any help?

Jeanne & Curt

[KC]

To store tea or an expensive spice! 

[luipoet]

This from japan.

http://www.tea-land.com/goods.php?id=175
this one is the same craftman with yours
(宣秘自造)
宣秘is the name of the craftman,自造 means self made,
which tells strong sense of intellectual's aesthetics
 
the tea container in this site worth NT7000(=usd200)
but yours is better than this(both patten and outlook)

BTW,how much you buy?

[luxetveritas]

Very nice!! I love finds like that. Recently at auction I have seen a few, the less rare selling for $300-$500. I think yours is in better condition though, and maybe rarer. Not sure. Great find!

[JeanneCurt]

Thank you for this information.
 I pick things up at an auction that I go to.  At the end of the night things that either don't sell or don't ever come up get put together on BIG tables and you bid on the while table.  This was bought along with a whole car full of things for $2.50!!!!!  I have had really good luck with some of the items but it is hard to know what you have!
Thank you again!
Jeanne & Curt