Round hollow boxwood toggle decorated on one side with Five Bats and a shou symbol (Longevity). Bats are considered in China as auspicious creatures. The Chinese word for bat (fu 蝠) sounds identical to the word for good fortune (fu 福). Five bats together represent the ‘Five Blessings’ (wufu 五福): Long Life, Wealth, Health, Love of virtue and a Peaceful death. The other side of the toggle is decorated with Shoulao, the God of Longevity, usually recognizable by his oversized forehead representing wisdom as well as a long beard, symbol of a long life. Two small boys offer him a Peach (Longevity) and a Lingzhi fungus (Longevity again). A pine tree of the left (Longevity) and bamboo on the right (Humility, Fidelity as well as Peace) complement the scene. The carving of this toggle is quite exceptional. It probably dates from the Middle Qing period (1644 – 1912). Diameter 5.0 cm. Thickness 1.3 cm. NOT FOR SALE.