Tobacco box carved from Boxwood and, as far as still distinguishable, decorated with Magpies and Plum trees. Magpies (xique) and Plum blossoms (mei) result in the pun ‘May your joy reach up to your eyebrows’ (xishang meishao). Plum flowers represent the Five Blessings (see QF4093) and Magpies symbolize Joy & Happiness. The depiction has worn away through extensive use which at the same time has given this box a good patina. One corner has burn marks. The box dates from the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912). Length 7.5 cm. Width 5 cm. Depth 4 cm.