Embedded zitan paperweight, Qing dynasty, Daoguang

Wood carved and decorated with inlaid mother-of-pearl, lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade and hard stones. The wood used is '紫檀' (Zitan) and is originally from India, Taiwan and China. It shows on the front face a pair of ducks on a pond with lotuses and water lilies. The shape is elongated with a higher centre.

The subject is illustrated with the term "百年好合" (A marriage for a hundred years) which means wishing two people, love and affection for a lifetime. Ducks are animals that once they are united they do not separate for life. Lotuses are also related to long life. In general, all human beings long for loyal love, a happy marriage, family and prosperous offspring.

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

Size: 27.8 x 5 cm; Weight: 166 g