According to author Adrien von Ferscht, the present flask would probably have originally be part of a larger set, possibly a gentleman’s set. He further explains that the bamboo motif engraved on the sides is symbolic of an upstanding gentleman.
For further information please see Adrien von Ferscht, Chinese Export Silver 1785-1940 – The Definitive Collectors’ Guide, 4th Edition, Glasgow and Beijing, January 2015.