Hand-carved miniature made from the kernel of a Chinese ‘gânlan’ fruit which is a very hard material. The carving depicts two dragons and five people on a sampan. The word sam pan (三板) literally means ‘three planks’ indicating the simple design of this type of boat. A sampan resembles a silver ingot called ‘Sycee’ (细 丝) which symbolizes Official Office or High Rank. Dragons are believed to bring rain and therefore symbolize Fertility. Moreover, the Chinese dragon is the ultimate symbol of the cosmic energy ‘qi’ (气) and the most powerful symbol of Good Fortune. The fertility aspect is strengthened by the fact that the people on board are clearly involved in love-making. This slightly risqué carving which is not signed dates from the latter part of the 20th century. Length 4.0 cm. Width 1.8 cm. Height 1.5 cm.