East Asia, China, Qing Dynasty, ca. 19th century CE. A lovely brass box engraved with auspicious symbols across the body and a nephrite jade stone inlaid upon the lid. The body is a tall ovoid shape with a flat base and thick walls etched with foliate motifs around a diamond shaped frame on both sides. The front side depicts stylized clouds, a parasol, and two fish. The parasol represents shading and protection granted by Buddha, and the fish represent his ability to swim through oceans of suffering without drowning. The other side features a conch to represent Buddha's voice, and a victory banner that guides all to enlightenment. The lid opens on a hinge and the interior of the lid is also engraved with additional floral motifs and includes a dharma wheel and lotus flower. The nephrite jade inlaid in the top is a lustrous white with relief carvings that include the knot of eternity to symbolize Buddha's heart, which is flanked by an additional conch and victory banner. Seven of the eight auspicious symbols are represented on the vessel itself, and the eighth and final symbol - the treasure vase - may be represented by this lidded box itself! The surface gleams with a rich golden hue, and the stone is polished, all adding to the wonderful symbolism of this entire ensemble. Size: 4" L x 2.125" W x 3.25" H (10.2 cm x 5.4 cm x 8.3 cm) Provenance: private Morrison, Colorado, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm. Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping. #163666