Drum-shaped onyx pendant, Qing dynasty, Qianlong

Pendant carved in onyx. The shape is hexagonal with engraved details and a figure waiting under the moon. The shape matches the dark side of the stone. The meaning corresponds with the Chinese modism "指日可待" (Just around the corner) which indicates that something is not far away or to come. 

Provenance: Important collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.

Size: 3 x 4.1 cm; Weight: 68 g