Blue overlay glass snuffbox decorated with magpies in plum trees, China, 1780-1850 Flattened piriform, in blue overlay on a translucent, slightly opalescent ground, carved with two magpies in a plum blossom tree rooted in rocks pierced on each side. The foot is encircled by blue glass. Tourmaline stopper. Height: 6.8 cm Provenance : Millon-Jutheau sale, November 6, 1983, lot 54 (illustrated). The magpie - 喜鹊 - xǐquè is considered an auspicious bird, a symbol of joy, good news, and happy events. The plum blossom - 梅花 - méihuā is a symbol of strength, resilience and purity, as it blooms in winter despite the cold. Thus, the combination of magpie and plum tree symbolizes a happy and noble life, or a joyous event occurring in a difficult context.