Gold and red lacquered food container generally known as ‘Wedding Basket’. The handle is carved with two upside down Bats which is a pun for ‘Blessings have arrived’. The animal in the centre looks like a roaring Tiger but we are not sure of this. The Tiger serves as a Protection against evil which might be appropriate in this case. The flowers on the sides are probably Chrysanthemums which symbolize Longevity because of their health-giving properties. The container dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Width 33 cm. Depth 29 cm. Height including handle 30 cm. Height excluding handle 18 cm.