The rectangular box in huanghuali wood, the cover inlaid with mother-of-pearl and hardstones. On the centre, a phoenix perched on rocks. On the left side, a rose bush with flowering branchs hanging down toward the bird while there is a blooming peony on the right side. In addition, there are stylized clouds on the upper right corner.
The combination of phoenix (feng 鳳) and peonies (mudan 牡丹) is a very auspicious iconography, because the phoenix is regarded as the king of birds and the peony as queen of flowers. They are associated to wealth, success and good fortune.
18th century
Qianlong period (1735-1796)
Early Kangxi period (1661-1722)
Circa 1800-1810