Author Adrien von Ferscht has noted that these four-sectioned bottles were caged by several of the retail silversmiths in Hong Kong and the Treaty Ports. They were a feature of early 20th century Chinese Export Silver, being a natural progression from the late 19th century caged Haig “Dimple” whisky bottle decanters that were originally the conception of Wang Hing, whose premises in Hong Kong were very near the old Hong Kong Club. Although these sectioned bottle were always stamped Made in France or similar, they were originally made for the Dutch Bols company and were intended as bitters for use with gin. In Hong Kong and Shanghai, cocktails were all the rage throughout the JazzAge/Art Deco eras and these caged decanters were very popular. They are often mistakenly described as being “oil and vinegar” bottles.

For further information please see Adrien von Ferscht, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940 – The Definitive Collectors’ Guide, 4th Edition, Glasgow and Beijing, January 2015.