Lacquered wooden ornament depicting a high official holding a parasol, symbol of Protection. He is sitting on a Buddhist lion. Buddhist lions symbolize Harmony, Blessings and Protection as well as High Rank. The boy lifting one leg is wearing a gold crown which identifies him a ‘First Scholar’ (zhuangyuan). The fact that he is lifting one leg is also symbolic and means ‘Stepping up’ to attain a higher position. He is holding a fan (shan) which is not only a symbol of Longevity but also of ‘Goodness (shan). The combination of an official and a boy leads to the rebus ‘Leading one’s son to court’ (daizi shangchao) which expresses the hope that the son may become a high official just like his father. This ornament once formed part of a piece of furniture of bed and dates from the late Qing period (1644 – 1912) or early Republic (1912 – 1947. Height 16 cm. Width 8 cm. Depth 3 cm.