A common gift to a Chinese bride as a prayer for sons was representations of boy-children in many materials. (I have never seen one of a girl, but my mother, who always wanted a girl and only produced four sons over a twenty-year period, would have owned a collection!) This fine little fellow, with the Peach of Prosperity in his right hand and a rattle lifted in his other, is carved from softly glowing clam-broth agate, the face and peach bearing a somewhat whiter luster...

Finely carved in lustrous nephrite, soft green with a bluish tone, this figure of the Immortal Hotai shows the chubby god stepping forward, a branch over his shoulder that is ready to blossom into prosperity for its receiver. In superb condition, the figure is approximately 3-1/4 inches tall by 2-1/4 inches wide by 1-1/2 inches deep. Chinese, late Eighteenth Century to early Nineteenth Century.

These two old specimens of the dramatic volcanic conglomerate, septarian nodule, have long been used for display of antique bronzes. Each is approximately 3-1/3 inches in diameter,one about 1-1/4 inches high, the other about 1-5/8 inches high.Both are polished to a soft luster.

A fine Imperial Roman sestertius of the Emperor Nerva, 96-98 AD, is mounted on a fine malachite box fro a dramatic presentation. Approximately 2 inches by 2-1/4 inches by 1-1/4 inch high.

Shou Lao, the Daoist god of long life is portrayed in this elegant carving in fine blue-gray jade. There is an expression of true joy and delight on his little face and his heavy earlobes and prominent belly speak of the promise of prosperity he can offer. Chinese, Eighteenth Century. About 3-1/2 inches tall by 2-1/4 inches wide by 1-1/2 inches deep