Tobacco box carved from boxwood (huang yang mu). The lid is graced by a lying Fu dog also called Buddhist Lion. A Fu dog symbolizes Harmony, Blessings, Protection as well as High Rank. Fu Dogs are also depicted on the ‘shoulders’. One side shows an image of the Buddha. He is flanked by a Peony flower (Wealth & Honor) and an unknown bird with a flower spray in its beak. Hovering over the Buddha is an ‘upside down’ bat (Blessings have arrived). The other side of the box shows a somewhat angry looking head of an unknown Deity. He is flanked by a Lotus Flower (Continuous Harmony) and a Crane (Longevity) which also holds a flower spray in its beak. The carving and hollowing of this box is very well done and it has a great patina. The box dates from the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912). Length 12.8 cm. Width 8.7 cm. Depth 5.2 cm. Weight 172 grams.