FINEST, Chinese nephrite celadon jade lidded box. Carved jade of covered trinket box, of rectangle body with ruyi shaped corners, raised flat base. The dome lid decorated with relief of centralized longevity "Shou" character medallion surrounded by rococo floral motifs and auspicious pattern. Three of the most important goals in life in Chinese traditional thought are the propitious blessings of happiness , professional success or prosperity, and longevity. These are visually represented by the three "star gods" of the same names (Fu, Lu, Shou), commonly depicted as three male figurines (each wearing a distinctive garment and holding an object that enables them to be differentiated), or the Chinese ideographs/characters themselves, or various homophones or objects with relevant attributes. Shou is instantly recognizable. "He holds in his hand a large peach, and attached to his long staff are a gourd and a scroll. The stag and the bat both indicate Fu happiness. The peach, gourd, and scroll are symbols of longevity." His most striking characteristic is, however, his large and high forehead, which earned him the title "Longevity Star Old-pate". The Chinese character Shou is usually found on textiles, furniture, ceramics and jewelry, generally in its more complex ideograph, but also in its simplified (post-1950) form. The ideograph may appear alone or be surrounded by flowers, bats, or other good luck symbols, but will always hold a central position. Longevity is commonly recognized as one of the Five Blessings (longevity, wealth, health, love of virtue, a peaceful death) of Chinese belief that are often depicted in the homophonous rendition of five flying bats because the word for "bat" in Chinese sounds like the word for "good fortune" or "happiness" or in this case, "blessings "The jade displays pale celadon iridescent, clean tone with moist milky appearance. The jade is extremely well carved giving it an aura of splendor.Note, Jade, as a stone, has five virtues. Its glossiness and warmth is like benevolence. Because inside and outside is the same, so that knowing the outside one knows the inside, this may be likened to righteousness. Its far-reaching sound (when struck) may be heard from afar, like wisdom. It is not easily bent, but can be broken, which may be likened to courage. Jade can be sharpened, but not to the point where it can injure people; this quality is like self-regulation or restraint.Measurements: 49.70mm x 143.28mm Weight: 542.5g