This silver tea canister embellished with chased geometric design and scrolling floral "bunga air muleh" motifs was a diplomatic gift from Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah of Brunei to then Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew. Brunei silversmiths are well-known for their craft and are commissioned by Brunei royalty (as well as the well-heeled) to create a wide range of decorative objects and silverware which showcase various metal work techniques.The bottom of the canister bears the inscription “With the compliments of – His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah Crown Prince of Brunei Darussalam to His Excellency Lee Kuan Yew Minister Mentor of the Republic of Singapore”. There is no date in the inscription but it is likely to be a more recent gift as Lee served as Minister Mentor from 2004-2011. This gift reflects the historically warm bilateral relations between Singapore and Brunei.
