Cai Shen (财神) is known in China as the ‘God of Wealth’ who can bring wealth and riches. He is worshipped in Chinese folk religion and Daoism. Here he is depicted with gold ingots in his hands symbolizing Wealth. The object is finely hand-carved from the kernel of a Chinese ‘gânlan’ fruit which is a rather hard material. Cai Shen is accompanied by two boys. One is holding a giant ‘Ruyi’ scepter which stands for ‘ Everything you wish for will be granted’ and the other one holds a sign over his head which reads ‘Zhao Zai Jin Bao‘ (招财进宝) which means ‘Beckon riches (Zhao Cai) and obtain treasures (Jin Bao)’. The boys themselves symbolize a wish to get sons. They are enveloped in Clouds representing ‘The granting of all wishes’. The carving is not signed and dates from the latter half of the 20th century. Length 3.6 cm. Diameter 1.7 cm.