Agate snuffbox carved with an official pointing at the sun, China, 1820-1880 Rectangular in shape with rounded shoulders, the gray agate is carved in a brown vein with a standing scholar pointing to the sun in the clouds. On the star is incised the character 日- sun. In Chinese 指日 - zhi ri means both "pointing to the sun" and "in a few days". Associated with 高升 - gao sheng - "rise high", symbol of promotion, the image of a character pointing to the sun embodies the wish for congratulations: 指日高升 - zhi ri gao sheng - "May promotion be imminent". The reverse features a blooming prunus branch worked in a dark vein. Well hollowed out, it rests on an oval foot. Green jade stopper. Height: 5.5 cm