Mat black lacquered wooden storage box for a ‘Chao Zhu’ or ceremonial court necklace which was worn by mandarins to show their rank. Ranking was basically based upon the color of the beads used. Red and related shades of coral, and pink were reserved for the highest ranks, blue followed and crystal and whites were worn by mandarins of the third rank. The box is decorated in gold leaf with two dragons chasing the ‘flaming pearl’. The dragons are facing each other which leads to a pun ‘Happiness at Reunion’ (xi xianfeng). The inside of the box is lacquered in a shiny finish with gold flakes. We believe that this box dates from the early 20th century when the Qing dynasty (1644 – 1912) was still in power. Diameter 18 cm. Height 8 cm.