Blue and white porcelain meiping shaped snuffbox with children decoration, China, 19th centuryContinuous decoration of sixteen children playing or brandishing various flowers and ruyi (如意) scepter in a garden near a pavilion. Stylized frieze around the neck. Apocryphal Yongzheng mark. Coral stopper. Height: 8 cmThis very popular representation evokes the wish for abundant male offspring ensuring the continuation of the family line and the fulfillment of filial duties .