Silver needle case shaped as a square vase (Peace) decorated on the sides with Finger Citrons (Blessings & Longevity), Pomegranates (Many children), a Lotus pod (Fertility), a Butterfly (Blessings & Happiness) and a Cymbidium flower (Friendship & Grandchildren). The shoulders of the vase are embellished with Lion masks (Harmony, Blessings, Protection as well as High Rank) and there are Plum flowers (Five Blessings, see QF 8258) on its neck. A small bell also decorated with a Plum flower dangles at the bottom. The chain is attached to the square needle holder inside. The needle case is marked but we can’t read the name. It dates from the late Qing (1644 – 1912) to the early Republic period (1912 – 1947). Total length including hook 41.5 cm. Vase length 5.1 cm. Width 2.2 cm.