Blue-and-white porcelain snuff box, China, late 19th century Quadrangular in shape, decorated on one side with a peasant and three goats, along with the inscription 問路三羊 - wèn lù sān yáng - “May the three positive energies guide your steps toward success and fortune,” and on the other side, Han Xin asking a peasant for directions, with the inscription: 韓信問路 - Hán Xìn wèn lù, which literally translates to “Han Xin asks for directions.” The two short sides bear the inscription: 歲在杏月作 - Sui zài xìng yuè zuò - “Made during the second lunar month (the month of the apricot trees) of the year...”. An apocryphal Qianlong mark consisting of four characters in kaishu script at the base. Glass stopper imitating coral. Height: 7 cm According to legend, while on the run or on an administrative tour, Han Xin got lost and asked a humble peasant for directions. After the peasant kindly pointed him in the right direction, Han Xin, fearing that the man might reveal his location or route to his pursuers, made the cruel decision to have him executed.