Antique Tibetan Geylong Monk’s Copper and Brass Flask

This small flask was designed to be used by mendicant, or alms-gathering, 'geylong' monks who were required to always carry water within their robes in order to at least wash out their mouths regularly. According to Michael Backman Ltd, an antiques dealer which references historical records in listings, Tibetan monks tended to drink hot butter tea, the flasks “worn more as ornaments as an Insignia of their ‘geylong’ status”. (Note: Other sources described this as in ink bottle however we trust Michael Backman as the expert on all things he covers!)
 
The copper body is small with two loops on either side through which some cotton string would be tied, connecting at the top of the stopper through another loop and then attached to the monk’s robes. We believe the decorative knobby rings – three on the mouth, two on the stopper – are brass rather than copper. The stopper within is a cork-like wood. 
 
Found with this piece was an extra brass knobby ring, larger than all the others, and a wooden disk with a copper or brass screw to which was tied a cotton string. We suspect these parts may have been used to attach the flask to robes and that the cotton string is the remnant of the original cotton string used to hold the flask together.
 
Also found with the flask (and an antique Tibetan flint and tinder pouch) was a note in our grandmother’s handwriting saying she believes it came from Tibet via Darjeeling and was purchased on the 1934-1935 world tour which she joined with her aunts, the Burr sisters. We believe the Burr sisters purchased this and she inherited it from them.
 
It is in good vintage condition, with no major dents or wear to the body. The flask could use a polishing if one does not appreciate the patina. The stopper works, but it did twice remain in the neck of the flask rather than come out with the top of the stopper when we were doing photography. It is easy to give it a little turn and pop it out. There is discoloration on the stopper. We do not know if that is from prior use as intended or just discoloration from the passage of time. 
 
Note: This is for decorative purposes only. We would not recommend drinking anything from it for what should be obvious reasons…
 
H 4 3/4” x W 2 1/4” x D 1”
2.96 oz (85g)