清乾隆 剔紅寳瓶紋捧盒

The decoration on this box is very auspicious and would have made the box a very appropriate wedding gift. According to Teresa Tse Bartholomew, Hidden Meanings in Chinese Art, San Francisco, 2006, p. 247, no. 8.25.1, the roses in the vase form the rebus siji ping'an, "may you have peace throughout the four seasons", p. 247, no. 8.25.1, while the peaches and bats represent "may you possess both blessings and longevity" (fushou shuangquan), p. 26, no. 1.1.14. And the taiji symbol formed as two fish symbolizes conjugal bliss. Compare the similar box and cover sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 28 May 2014, lot 3338.