Hetian jade box ‘Guqin with Chilong’, Qing dynasty

Hetian jade box, finely carved in the shape of a traditional Chinese stringed instrument. The lid features a stylized dragon, a symbol of strength and prosperity. Pieces such as this combine literary and musical erudition with auspicious meanings. Qing dynasty (1644–1912) 

Size: 2 × 10.3 × 4 cm

Weight: 82.5 g