Snuffbox in light-brown agate carved with a duck in a white vein, China, 1750-1850 Of rectangular form with rounded shoulders, carved in light relief in opaque beige and white agate inclusions of a duck standing on a large open lotus leaf in front of a bud and a lotus fruit with its seeds. Above, on the collar, a representation of the sun. Brown inclusions contrast with the translucent agate, creating an abstract design on the reverse. Well hollowed out, it stands on an oval foot. Coral stopper. Height: 5.8 cm Slight lapping on the top of the neck. The symbolic association of the duck 鴨 - ya (conjugal love and fidelity), the lotus 莲 - lián (purity, spiritual elevation and rebirth) and the sun 太阳 - tàiyáng (yang, masculine energy, vital force, light and prosperity) could be translated as "May your love (or soul) be pure like the lotus, faithful like the duck, and blessed by the light of the sun."