Agate snuffbox decorated with an episode from the Roman des Trois Royaumes, China, 1750-1850 Rounded and flattened in shape, the agate skilfully carved on one side in superimposed layers of gray, brown and light colors of an episode from the Novel of the Three Kingdoms: "The Strategy of the Empty City" - 空城计 - kōng chéng jì. The decoration shows the open gate of a fortress in front of which a civilian is quietly sweeping while Zhuge Liang, seated on the top of the ramparts above the city gate, plays his zither. The reverse is undecorated. Well hollowed out, it rests on an oval foot. Turquoise and coral stopper. Height: 5.8 cm Minor chip on the heel. Zhuge Liang - 诸葛亮, famous strategist of the kingdom of Shǔ - 蜀 found himself alone one day in the city of Xīchéng - 西城 , defenseless against the army of Sīmǎ Yi - 司马懿 . Instead of fleeing, he had the city gates opened and the entrance swept, climbed the ramparts and calmly played the qin. Sīmǎ Yi, suspecting a trap, preferred to retreat without attacking. This episode has become a classic example of cunning and psychological mastery.