Pomanders were containers designed to hold aromatic spices, flower petals, perfumes or mixtures of other fragrant substances. Worn suspended from the belt pomanders served against noxious smells in the city streets and were also useful to suppress body odors as bathing was frowned upon in the old days. This pomander is carved from hardwood and decorated with Bats (fu) symbolizing Blessings and Riches, a Shou (Longevity) character and Swastikas (wan) which represent ‘Ten thousand’ or ‘Infinity’. It dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Width 8 cm. Height 5 cm. Depth 3.3 cm.